Parents Band Photo (L-R): Julian (Kat Y4), Penny (Mickey Y3), Toby (Wynn Prep), Duncan (Tau Y4)

With the 2025 Parents Battle of the Bands competition/fundraiser coming up next Thursday 19 June we asked the members of Rock’N’Roll Call to share a bit about the role music plays in their lives, and why they think music education in schools is so important for kids.

Julian - I somehow managed to convince my parents to get me a drum kit and lessons when I was 10, after mucking about on various instruments around the house (and of course recorder lessons at school). But I started commandeering dad's guitars around 13, having lessons at school, mucking about with friends and cementing a lifelong addiction. First band I was in was Token around the age of 18, playing covers. First proper rock gig I went to was Garbage's first Australian tour; most recent was seeing Tommy Emmanuel. And music is such an integral part of human existence, a way to not only express yourself but connect with others, and lose yourself in that magical moment when everything gels together.

Penny – I loved learning recorder in my early primary years as I could make up my own tunes and also have strong memories of group singing, and it feeling very connective to be one of many voices. I went on to learn piano and viola (playing in the school orchestra) then in my teen years took up guitar and vocal lessons. The first rock concert I saw was AC/DC at the Myer Music Bowl. My first band was Sea Stories, and I got to tour all across Australia and the USA. Music has the power to connect people across all ages and demographics, and I think all children deserve access to music education as it enriches learning, brain development, creativity, opportunities for social connection, and can provide some of their happiest childhood (and lifelong) memories.

Toby – I played piano until i could convince my parents to get me a drum set about age 10. First band I saw was Pearl Jam and most recent was Fontaines DC. I played in a few bands in high school but the first one that played a gig (some Sepultura, Fear Factory and Korn covers, plus a few originals) was called Default. Giving kids the opportunity to learn a musical instrument is super important. Beyond learning a really useful skill, it connects language and mathematics, builds confidence, and is a great way to make friends. I can’t imagine my life without music, it’s been the one thing that has always inspired me, challenged me and brought me countless moments of joy.

Duncan – I learnt Clarinet at school, before moving across to Bass guitar, because, well, Clarinet just wasn't metal enough. First band I saw would have to be Shihad, and I’m thankful to have grown up on a steady diet of NZ heavy rock. It was sad to come full circle and see them retire earlier this year. Children need to be exposed, enriched and immersed to all the beautiful musical sounds in this world, and see the joy people get from listening to music you have made yourself.

2025 Parents Battle of the Bands

Date: Thursday 19 June Venue: Croxton Bandroom, ThornburyDoors open: 7pm (NMPS stage time: 8.45pm)

Last chance! Buy tickets: https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/062782b8-3e24-427c-ba92-0c769d689263

Follow on Instagram: @rocknrollcall_nmps | @parents_battle_of_the_bands

More info: https://parentsbattleofthebands.com/

All proceeds are redistributed pro-rata of parents’ attendance/number of tickets sold by each school.

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Moving together like a chorus