Cromwell College pupils are pursuing their music goals by participating in Youth and Adults in the Music Industry (YAMI) summit in Wānaka next month.

Teacher in charge of music Cath Forsyth said the pupils had assistance from Cromwell College STAR funding but had to find half the registration fee themselves.

The group of nine pupils attending were a range of ages, from different school bands as well as some soloists.

“Some will get a chance to perform on stage as part of the Sunday night showcase, with Barnaby Weir from Fly My Pretties which is great,” Cath said. 

Barnaby is a founding member of The Black Seeds and along with being a singer, songwriter, guitarist, DJ and producer he is known for his mentorship of emerging New Zealand artists. 

Cath and fellow music teacher Trish Copland will each attend one day of the YAMI summit held in the Lake Wānaka Centre, May 3-4.

Tutors this year include Home Brew, The Teskey Brothers, Gin Wigmore, Latinaotearoa, The Nudge, Black Comet, Haz + Miloux, The Nomad and Avantdale Bowling Club.

Throughout the weekend participants are mentored in all things music from live sound, lightning, looping and sampling to songwriting, mixing and releasing an album during seminars, masterclasses and workshops. 

Last year's school band Mistep, who played at the Gibbston Valley concert this summer after being handpicked by American punk band Everclear, had dissolved due to lead singer Grace Tiko focusing on netball. Three of the members Laura Bates, Sullivan (Sully) Sonntag and Louie Maugham were still “really into music” and excited to be going to YAMI.

Both Louie and Sully said they were planning to study the bachelor of audio and music production at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) next year.  

Laura said seeing Gin Wigmore at YAMI was going to be a highlight as she loved her music style. In 2026 she is planning on working towards a career in music therapy.

Other musical influences the Cromwell College pupils draw inspiration from are Radiohead, Alice in Chains, Adele, Billy Eilish, Hayley Williams (singer from Paramore), drummer Travis Barker (Blink 182), Stewart Copeland (The Police) and Joey Jordison (Slipknot). 

It is the tenth year of YAMI where established New Zealand musicians and tutors offer workshops and guidance to help the music industry to thrive, and give people insight into careers and pathways in the industry. 

Tickets to both the evening shows are open to the public and can be purchased through the YAMI website

All profits from the public performances go towards music education. 

The Central App will share an update on their experience later in May.

Read more: Learning kicks off in College’s new building

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