AC band Prototype has won the BandQuest Bay of Plenty regional competition and is heading to the Nationals!
The band is made up of Year 8 students Mikey Francis and Levi Drummond (vocals), Blake Gallagher (drums), Leo Henderson (bass + saxophone), Eli Osborne (bass + guitar), and Year 9 student Zach de Graaf (guitar).
Performing at Baycourt last Thursday (Aug. 27), the boys impressed the judges with an original rock song and Bruno Mars’ version of ‘Valerie’. Having formed just a year ago, this was the band’s first-ever competition!
There was more to celebrate, with Leo Henderson receiving the Specialist Instrument Award for his saxophone performance. 🎷👏Prototype also won $300 for the Aquinas Music Department.
This year, more than 350 acts representing 184 schools have entered BandQuest, a nationwide music competition for primary and intermediate-aged students. Each act has six minutes to showcase their talent.
Prototype has secured a place at Nationals after winning Thursday’s BOP regional final, and will be joined by the winner of the other regional final. It’s the first time two BOP acts will represent the region at Nationals!
The boys have already submitted their video performance for the online national final, with the results announced on October 9. 🤞
And the good news doesn’t stop there! Prototype also received an Honourable Mention in the online Caritas Sing Out 4 Justice 2026 competition for their performance of ‘Glorious.’ 🎶
Congratulations, Prototype! What an awesome achievement — we’ll be cheering you on at Nationals! 💚💛🎸
