City students tune up as Rockschool exams return

STUDENTS are rocking on at Toowoomba Grammar School, as they prepare for their graded musical examinations later this month.

STUDENTS are rocking on at Toowoomba Grammar School, as they prepare for their graded musical examinations later this month.

For the second consecutive year, TGS has been selected as an examination centre for the Australian Music Examination Board's Rockschool, a testing system which shines a light on budding pop and rock musicians.

Prior to 2019, musicians had to travel to Brisbane or submit pieces online - now Toowoomba has the potential to be the first regional area in Queensland chosen as a permanent examination centre.

Guitarist Kurtis Goodger and drummer Felix Thomason are preparing to sit their second Rockschool exam.

"It's good to be able to do (the exam) at school, being able to practice on the kit I'll use on the day is really great," Felix said.

TGS Year 9 student Kurtis Goodger on guitar as the school prepares to host the Australian Music Examinations Board Rockschool contemporary music exams, Thursday, August 13, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

"I'm feeling confident ahead of it - I've been practising with my guitar teacher," Kurtis said.

The exam, which is open to all schools in the region, will be held on August 22 and 23.

TUNING UP: Toowoomba Grammar School students Kurtis Goodger (left) and Felix Thomason get in some practice as the school prepares to host the Australian Music Examinations Board Rockschool contemporary music exams. Picture: Kevin Farmer