Nine Cromwell College pupils fueled their passion for music by participating in the Youth and Adults in the Music Industry (YAMI) summit in Wānaka on May 3-4.

Cromwell College teacher in charge of music Catherine (Cath) Forsyth said it was the biggest group the school had sent to date.

“[They] were engaged and represented the College very well, I was proud of all of them.

“They loved it and got out of it what they put in.

“Having some of them perform at the showcase was the highlight and seeing some who were naturally quite shy blossoming was amazing.”

The Central App asked three pupils Logan Hunt (year 11), Tynielle Engelbrecht (year 11) and Mischa Tolinson (year 10) about what they took away from the experience.

Mischa Tomlinson. PHOTO: Supplied

Tynielle Engelbrecht. PHOTO: Supplied

Logan said he learnt a lot about recording in the studios.

“I played on the Sunday night with Barnaby Weir, which was very inspiring and the biggest crowd I have performed in front of.”

Tynielle said creating songs was a big focus and she wrote six over the two days. 

Mischa said YAMI showed her she really wants to be part of New Zealand’s music industry and how to take care of her voice in the vocal master class.

The trio loved working with Gin Wigmore in the songwriting workshop. 

Other musicians who shared their expertise and made an impression were Barnaby Weir (Fly My Pretties, The Black Seeds), Evie Bamford (indie rock artist) and Lee Prebble (record producer and multi -instrumentalist). 

The feeling of being up on stage with well known Kiwi musicians in the final evening showcase was “nerve wracking but really good” according to Tynielle.

Mischa said it was amazing, and she felt very welcome and encouraged by those on stage.

It was 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. 

With YAMI behind them Cromwell College musicians are working towards rockquest, recording more original songs, and getting more gigs and solo opportunities. 

Cromwell College pupils who went to the YAMI summit in Wānaka were (from left) Louis Maugham, Indie Cameron, Tynielle Engelbrecht, Logan Hunt, Ollie Dicey, Sullivan Sonntag, Mischa Tomlinson and Laura Bates. PHOTO: The Central App

Read more: Cromwell College musos amped for YAMI.

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