Girls Rock! Tāmaki Makaurau has been helping young women, transgender and gender-non-conforming youth form bands, build instrumental skills, and write original songs since 2018, and now the 2020 programme is set to be bigger than ever.
Applications open September 18 for this unique holiday programme which fosters confidence and community through the power of music. Thanks to the generous support of MAINZ (Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand), our programme will once again be hosted at their campus in Auckland’s CBD from 20-25 January 2020. Girls Rock! is open to youth aged 12-17 years who are women,and/or intersex, transgender, or gender non-conforming. They’ll learn instruments, form bands, and write original songs, all guided by professional musicians in a women-led environment.
Alongside collaborative learning, participants will take part in workshops about positive body image, zine-making, and performance. Each day they’ll enjoy lunchtime performances from local artists: the 2019 camp included performances by Julia Deans, Brown Boy Magik, Mermaidens, Lexxa, and Fruit Juice Parade.
The kaupapa of Girls Rock! is to empower young women, transgender and gender non-conforming youth by giving them practical skills and role models in a safe, supportive space.
What’s the story of Girls Rock! Aotearoa? In 2017, Kiwi feminist music lovers and musicians came together to launch Aotearoa’s version of this global programme, from bands like Street Chant, The Beths, Carb on Carb, Wax Chattels and more. From there, the Girls Rock! whanau has continued to grow, with 2019 seeing Girls Rock! expand to Pōneke/Wellington where a very successful camp was held this July. What remains consistent is the passionate support of young women and gender minorities - amplifying their voices within New Zealand’s music community.
More info:
Girls Rock! is a paid holiday programme with an allocation of financial assistance available for low-income families. Please see our website for more information.
Applicants don’t need any previous musical experience and participants will be at all different levels.
Girls Rock! Runs from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, with a showcase on Saturday, 1pm to 3pm.
Girls Rock! Tāmaki Makaurau is supported by the Tindall Foundation’s Next Genfund, Auckland Council, Creative Communities, MAINZ, The New Zealand Music Commission, and Recorded Music New Zealand
School of Rock giveaway!
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s international blockbuster School of Rock – The Musical has landed in Auckland and audiences are raving.
Our friends at Auckland Live have given us a double pass to School of Rock – The Musical to give away!
We know that YOU ROCK, so the first 10 people to sign up to Girls Rock Tāmaki Makaurau in 2020 will go in the draw for the double pass, to be drawn on Sunday, September 22.