Last Sunday two AJHS bands took the stage at the Dorothy Winstone Centre at Auckland Girls’ Grammar for the Smokefree Rockquest, a nationwide event that celebrates young musical talent.

The bands, Pepper X and Jukebox 88, arrived at 10:30am for a quick warm-up using the electronic band set-up, before each performed an original song to an enthusiastic audience. Made up of students from Years 8 to 10, both groups showcased impressive creativity, confidence, and collaboration on stage.

The event was made even more memorable thanks to the support of Rockshop, who provided professional instruments and equipment, allowing students to perform with high-quality gear in a real concert environment.

This experience not only gave the students a taste of performing live, but also encouraged them to push their musical boundaries and connect with other young musicians from across Auckland. It was an exciting and inspiring day for all involved.