Annabelle and Lilly become best friends at holiday programme - Wellington

Meeting at Rock Academy

One of the things we love most about the Rock Academy holiday programme is the friendships that form along the way. Annabelle and Lily are a perfect example of that.

Both girls attended the holiday programme and hit it off from the very first minute. Annabelle had been to Rock Academy programmes before, while Lily was joining us during a very special time in her year — and it didn’t take long for them to become best friends.

Lily’s Musical Journey Around the World

Lily is currently travelling the world with her mum, Heidi, for a year. Even while overseas, Lily has stayed connected to her music, with Geoff, Head Teacher at Rock Academy, giving her online vocal lessons along the way.

Heidi used to live in Wellington and had planned to return for a month during December. As luck would have it, this visit lined up perfectly with our end-of-year holiday programme, giving Lily the chance to join in person — and that’s where her friendship with Annabelle really took off.

Sharing the Mic

Both Annabelle and Lily are singers, and music quickly became something they shared. Annabelle is about to start vocal lessons with Geoff herself, and during the programme the girls could often be found sharing a microphone during rehearsals in the hall.

They even took that confidence outside, sharing the mic again while busking in Kilbirnie — supporting each other, singing together, and having a great time performing.

More Than Just Music

Like all the other kids at the holiday programme, Annabelle and Lily also loved the downtime just as much as the music. Whether it was activities such as four-square table tennis or running around like the wonderfully energetic kids they are, there was never a dull moment.

That balance — having fun, being happy, and playing a bit of music along the way — is exactly what we aim for.

Looking Ahead

Lily and Heidi will be back next year, and we’re hoping their visit lines up with another school holiday programme so the girls can reunite at Rock Academy once again.

In the meantime, both Annabelle and Lily will continue with their vocal lessons, building skills, confidence, and most importantly, having lots of fun.

Stories like this remind us that Rock Academy isn’t just about learning music — it’s about connection, confidence, and friendships that can span countries 🌍🎤