Band Lab
Step Into The Spotlight!
A fun 9 week band experience for young singers and musicians aged 10-13
Create a real 4 piece band
Design your band name, song choices, look and style
Perform live on stage at a public venue
Band Lab is a mix of band practice, group activities, and performance coaching. Every week we'll run a variety of group exercises that help improve your musicality and confidence. You'll be mentored in your chosen instrument by two local experienced musicians, and put into a group with music-loving individuals where you'll work together to learn (or write) a song and be a band. This program is about building an understanding of musical language and how you can use it to connect with others.
Who is it for?
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Singers and musicians aged 10 to 13 who want to feel what it’s like to be in a band.
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Kids who’ve had lessons but want something more fun and social.
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Confident performers who want to level up — and shy ones who need a safe place to grow.
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Anyone who loves music and dreams of performing in front of a crowd.
When - Saturday Mornings 10am-12pm
Dates - Oct 11th ending December 13th (no class Labour Day)
Where - Wakatipu High School (music rooms)
Cost - $290 for 9 sessions (approx. $36 per lesson)
Mentor: Violet Ohope Hirst
Violet Ohope Hirst is a singer-songwriter, poet and creative voice born and raised in Tāhuna (Queenstown), now traversing the landscapes of Aotearoa music with an intimate, evocative sound. Blending folk, indie and atmospheric poise, her songs are imbued with emotional clarity, a strong sense of place, and moments of quiet revelation.
Her two full-length releases highlight her evolving journey:
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Sabine (2020) — an early, self-produced work exploring literary inspirations and raw introspection.
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Donegal (2023) — named after the house and space in Central Otago where it was recorded; the album feels like a love letter to memory, home, loss and transformation.
Listen / Watch / Read
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“Donegal” review / feature on RNZ’s The Sampler
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NZ Musician feature “Who Do You See In Your Dreams” NZ Musician
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Flying Nun interview & video “What Was That Thing?” Flying Nun