There is something special about watching young musicians take their place on a public stage. For their families, it is a chance to see where the practising, encouragement and commitment have led.

Ten school bands had that opportunity at the St John’s College Battle of the Bands, held in Sognage, Strydom Park, on 19 September 2026. They reached the final from 29 entries across the junior and senior divisions.

The bands taking home the honours

Senior division

• First: Wiretap, St John’s College.
• Second: The Treble Makers, Kingsmead College.
• Third: The Removed, St John’s College.

Junior division

• First: The Cactus Quills, St John’s Preparatory School.
• Second: High Voltage, School of Rock.
• Third: Strangers, Kyalami Preparatory School.

Original songwriting also earned recognition. The Pridwin Rock Band won Junior Best Original Track, while Perennia, from St David’s Marist Inanda, received the senior award.

Experience they can take into their next performance

The finalists shared the programme with Gauteng bands Hiraeth, Canvyr and Crash and the Void, performing before judges whose experience spanned production, promotion, live sound and music education.

The advertised prizes offered practical support for developing musicians, including studio time to record an original track, Rockschool examination vouchers and a professional photo shoot.

According to the school’s results report, judges praised the bands’ musicianship, songwriting, arrangements and stagecraft, including their ability to hold an audience’s attention. That recognition gives the young performers something to build on long after the competition.

• See the official results and participating bands

The Bottom Line

The winners have every reason to be proud, and so do the other finalists. Reaching this stage was an achievement worth celebrating, for the young musicians and the families who support them.