Kooringal High goes back-to-back with another win at SpecFest Surround Sound

The Kooringal High School band KHS Funk Explosion has once again brought home the chocolates, named back-to-back winners of the SpecFest Surround Sound music competition.

The Surround Sound rural and remote band competition is part of the 2024 School’s Spectacular and featured student musicians from regional areas across the state.

Singer Xyah McLaren said it was a special moment for the older members of the band who had been part of the ensemble since Year Seven.

“I was actually really nervous because, as a Year 12, I thought we need to make this count,” she said.

“Not that it mattered whether we won or lost, but because it was the last time I wanted this to be the best one!”

Kooringal High School was one of eight bands in the competition along with Karabar High School, Moruya High School, Willyama High School, South Grafton High School, Albury High School, Lismore High School and Bowral High School.

“Usually it starts with eight bands and then it goes down to four, but this year all eight bands made it through to the final,” Xyah said.

“So we did two performances, but we also do workshops with the people there and practices, and there are a few other opportunities there to perform.”

Fellow 2024 graduate Lauren Esler said their particular brand of music was a hit with the audience.

“The crowd really likes listening to funk music and songs they know and they can sing along and bop along too,” she said.

Music teacher Ashleigh Baker said it was the third time Kooringal High had participated and she was proud of the way they had grown.

“It’s wonderful to see those who have stuck it out, from where they started to where they are now,” she said.

“It fosters this amazing and supportive environment, and I think going away and seeing like-minded kids from all across the state and building a network with like-minded students and teachers, it’s just invaluable experience.

“Coming away as winners is just the cherry on top, and I think whether they won or if they lost, the memories and everything that they’ve made together will last forever.”

Lauren said getting the students involved in choosing the songs and planning the performances was an important part of the process.

“I say to the kids all the time, you’ve got to find the love and have a love for what you do because otherwise it just becomes a chore,” she said.

“We want to keep that passion alive and keep the kids enjoying it and create a space where they feel safe and comfortable, so it’s something that they look forward to every week.

Student Jenna Oakman agreed that being part of the KHS Funk Explosion was a highlight of her time at school.

“It’s just a really good experience to have that opportunity to play on such a big stage outside of school and to be involved in the workshops and meet all these amazing professionals in the industry,” she said.

“We’re all just kids at a public school in Wagga and suddenly we’re in Sydney playing in a band, which is really cool!”