One month ago Rock Idol took over the Big Screen in Chamberlain Square for a day. People passing the screen saw the West Midlands final of the competition, and this week you can see the winners of that round battle it out to become the overall winner of the national final.  | | Go Quagmyre |
Geoff Turrell, Director of the ATHENA Excellence in Cities education Action Zone, came up with 'Rock Idol', a national competition that promotes the use of video conferencing in schools. Video conferencing is available in all schools and allows the pupils to interact with other students in various areas within the UK. To be eligible to enter 'Rock Idol' pupils have to be in a rock band and attend a secondary school in the UK. Each of the bands perform one song from their school; the performance is transmitted to the other schools and the judges. The national final is run over two days; newly formed bands vie for the crown on Wednesday 29th November from 1pm and established bands rock it out on Thursday 30th November from 11am. The West Midlands regional winners were Go Quagmyre from Bournville School. They will be taking part in the finals on Thursday. | "It's a perfect opportunity for city centre workers to bring their lunch down to Chamberlain Square and be treated to some great music." | |
The group, Sam, Miki & Paul, take their musical inspiration from Bob Dillion, Jamiroquai and Abba. But do they think they are good enough to win: “Yes. You can always hope!” Sam states. You can help them by voting for them on the Rock Idol website www.rockidol.org.uk Although the judges make their decision based on the bands performance and the quality of their creativity, "The judging panel also take note of the voting polls and read the website comments posted by viewers of the competition; these comments can influence the judges' decisions." Geoff reveals. Go Quagmyre will be facing competition from 10 bands from around the UK including Frontline Suspects from Sunderland, Falling Empire from London and Ionian from Cumbria. Geoff said: "The Big Screen will be showcasing the high quality music-making going on in schools. People can see for themselves the diversity of educational initiatives and how technology can be used effectively to promote creativity and enable interactivity."  | | Go Quagmyre |
Andrew Morland, Technical Manager for the Big Screen agreed: "We are giving the contest, which in the past has only been screened to fellow students, an added dimension. The students can now showcase their talent to the wider community.” Geoff and Andrew are really excited about the competition: "I hope when people see it on screen they will be entertained, informed and prompted to learn more about modern schooling and popular music education," said Geoff. Andrew continued: "I'm expecting the people of Birmingham to be proud of the young musical talent that will be representing our region and show their full support by voting for them online.” To enter Rock Idol next year or for more information next year visit www.rockidol.org.uk | 
