By Ryan Low, Aiden Plumbe and Luca Dukovski
The biggest and best day on the contemporary music calendar, RockFest, just happened. Our incredibly talented students performed rock classics and contemporary hits by the likes of Metallica, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and more!
Rockfest is an event led by Mr. Knapman, our Rock Bands Coordinator, where students from Newington and MLC come together to perform some of rock’s greatest hits.
Burger Bash was also back out the front of Centenary Hall from 4pm. Then the lights went down at 6:30 for some amazing music performed by our very own students from Year 7 all the way to Year 12. For our Year 12s, this is their final RockFest at the college and in addition to their regular performances with their bands, they performed a special item as a group.
A fond farewell handshake – Photo: Oscar Shaw
24 bands were lined up in this incredible event. Notable inclusions include the first ever band from Wyvern, SLAAM, playing Song 2 by Blur, and the fan favourite year 7 band Nugget Boys, who performed Fight for Your Right by the Beastie Boys, and left a lasting impression on the crowd, evident through their chanting afterwards. Some of our musicians got to team up with MLC, bringing a new wave of excitement and crowds into the event, and marking a milestone.
Year 6 Wyvern band SLAAM. Photo: Vishay Modi
One of our MLC Bands. Photo: Oscar Shaw
Rockfest is one of the public displays of the prowess of the College’s music program. Under the leadership of Mr Scott, the department offers several enriching co-curricular experiences, such as instrumental ensembles ranging from Concert Band and Stanmore Strings to Symphonic Winds and Symphony Orchestra. The school also offers opportunities to be in the choir, jazz bands, smaller chamber ensembles, and of course, rock bands empowering our students to rock on!
We approached Mr Knapman himself for comment:
“This year, we were able to have the most auditions and bands playing than ever before. The participating students have worked so hard to make this event truly come to life, and I could not be more grateful. The amount of support I have received from not only teachers but pupils and even parents has been so encouraging and really kept this event alive over the years. A highlight for me was being able to see the first ever Wyvern band, SLAAM, play in front of a high school crowd with passion. They have a bright future in music ahead!”
Overall, Rockfest 2025 was an impeccable event and highlight of the College Calendar that represented the vibrancy of music culture in Newington. With a record number of participating bands and enthusiastic performances spanning all age groups, the event really demonstrated the passion of all these pupils. From debuts in amateur music careers in year 6 to a fond farewell from Year 12, Rockfest showed the strength and diversity of the school’s music program. Under strong leadership with broad support, this event continues to inspire and unite all students through the power of music, and promise a bright future for the Newington’s musical endeavours.
Coming up is our Founders Concert, the highlight of the music calendar. Details to come out soon, stay tuned!
Please click here for videos from the night. A Newington email is required to access this link.