The Results are in from the 2015 Safer Highlands Be Your Best Rock Challenge® in Inverness

Lastnight seven local schools from across the Highlands competed in the 2015 Safer Highlands Be Your Best Rock Challenge®  

Alness Academy were awarded first place for their performance ‘The Blue Men of the Minch’ a piece which captivated the audience throughout due to the thrilling story telling. A stunning, constantly moving set provided a vivid backdrop for their strong performance skill and Alness Academy’s choreography built in a crescendo to end with an energetic finale. Strong solo performances punctuated the show stopping production which has qualified Alness through to the Scottish Final held at the Caird Hall in June.  

In second place were Dingwall Academy who performed ‘Dreams Of The Big Top’ a bright and vivid piece which filled the stage with energetic choreographic content. Dingwall’s well designed costumes complemented the strong characterisation of every individual performer and the elements of humour throughout the piece entertained the audience whilst telling a clear story. Dingwall have also qualified through to the Scottish Final.  

During the show days real emphasis is put on watching and supporting the other schools. Every team taking part is given the opportunity to vote for the school they think has been the friendliest and most supportive throughout the day.  Dingwall Academy were recognised by their peers and were today awarded the highly anticipated Spirit of Rock Challenge® Award.  

Third place was presented to Millburn Academy for their piece ‘Truce’ which recreated one of the most famous moments of the First World War in which English and German soldiers called a temporary truce on Christmas day. Fluid choreography, that sustained momentum throughout, worked harmoniously with the emotive lyrics of the soundtrack to truly enthral the audience.  

The event, held at Eden Court, was performed to an almost sold out audience and was supported by Safer Highlands. Throughout the day Safer Highlands provided a range of fun activities which promoted the healthy lifestyle message of the event which were enjoyed by all the participants.  

Head of Education for Highland Council Jim Steven presented third place and commented on this evening’s show: “The Rock Challenge event tonight was a wonderful experience for the young folks, it is a great credit to their imagination and hard work. I think the thing that stood out for me was actually the number of young people from different schools who were saying that they formed new friendships and lasting friendships that will go way, way beyond tonight’s event.”  

Director of Care and Learning at Highland Council Bill Alexander also attended the event and stated: “This is a fantastic event. The young people love it so much, so do their parents and their schools and communities but actually the success is the work that these young people do throughout the year. They work on this week after week putting their ideas together, working as a team, bringing the different age groups and different groups of young people across the school together and it’s a success for all of them and they are all winners.”

Please find below the complete list of awards and placing’s from tonight’s Rock Challenge® show: