Mistep Rocks the Gibbston Stage: A Celebration of Talent and Opportunity

On January 18th, Cromwell College's very own band, Mistep, stepped onto one of the biggest stages of their lives so far, opening the renowned Gibbston Valley 2025 Concert. Sharing the stage with internationally acclaimed bands Evermore, Cold Chisel, Icehouse, and Bic Runga, Mistep delivered an electrifying performance to an audience of thousands. The local community turned out in full force to cheer them on, beaming with pride as the band proved that talent and dedication can lead to extraordinary opportunities.

The feedback from their performance has been phenomenal, showcasing not just Mistep’s incredible growth but also the power of arts education in fostering talent. This moment is a testament to the support and mentorship provided by our dedicated teachers and the unwavering passion of our students.

As Mistep continues to achieve remarkable milestones, their success opens the door to an important conversation about the potential of careers in the arts. While some may still hold concerns about the viability of arts-related paths, we believe it’s time to explore the wide range of opportunities available in this dynamic and evolving field. At Cromwell College, we are committed to highlighting the value of arts education and celebrating the diverse, fulfilling careers it can lead to.

The arts industry is vast, offering careers far beyond the spotlight. In music alone, students could pursue roles as sound engineers, music producers, tour managers, or composers for film, television, and video games. Others might explore music therapy, instrument design, event promotion, or teaching. The possibilities are as diverse as the individuals who pursue them.

This moment with Mistep serves as inspiration to all our students and families, proving that success in the arts is not just attainable, it’s an enriching and vital path. At Cromwell College, we are committed to nurturing this potential and opening doors for our students to explore fulfilling, creative futures.

Cath Forsyth, our music teacher and Mistep’s mentor, reflects on the band’s journey and the importance of supporting young artists:

“Start music as early as you can and find an instrument you really enjoy playing, it’s such a joy to share music with others. Take every chance to perform, whether it’s for family, friends, or at school, and don’t be afraid to push yourself to learn new things like sound tech or trying a different style of music.

We do everything we can to support students in pursuing careers in the arts, whether it’s through opportunities like performing at Smokefree Rockquest, the College Soirée, or even Gibbston Valley, as well as connecting them with workshops and mentors. Events like these don’t just showcase talent, they open students’ eyes to the many pathways available in music and the arts and show how valuable and worthwhile these careers can be.”

Owen from Greenstone Entertainment, the organisers of the Gibbston Valley Concert, shares insights on the growing opportunities in the arts industry:

“A career in the arts is more accessible than ever, thanks to the ease of connecting directly with audiences and fans through various platforms. From performers to sound technicians, event coordinators, and operations managers, the music arts industry offers a wide range of career paths, each playing a vital role in bringing events like the Gibbston Valley Concert to life. These events, alongside initiatives like the Rock Foundation, Smokefree Rockquest, and Play It Strange, are invaluable for young, emerging artists like Mistep, providing a stage to reach wider audiences and gain experience. These opportunities are vital for nurturing the next generation of talent and showing that a career in the arts is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding.”

The success of Mistep is not just a celebration of their hard work but also a reminder that the arts deserve a prominent place in education and career planning. By investing in the arts, we are investing in creativity, innovation, and the next generation of leaders.