Story by Steven Godbee Publicity

Thousands of young musicians around Australia dream of forming a rock band with their high school mates - just like the iconic Silverchair.

For the students of AIM High School, it is a fairly logical progression, and where AIM High band 'Break 407' have found many like-minded souls.
 
“We didn’t all know each other before we came to AIM. This is basically our social group” says Clontarf’s Ben Livingstone, the keyboard player in Break 407.
 
Bringing together diverse musical influences of seven different musicians that range from heavy metal’s Muse, through to Elton John gives the group a fresh new sound. Ben classifies Break 407’s sound as ‘alternative rock’.
 
“The fact that we are all studying at AIM has really opened doors for us,” says bass player Sam Patching, from Collaroy. “For one thing, people have faith that we’ll be good enough to put on stage without having to supply a demo.”
 
Break 407 already has nine gigs booked in only it’s first two months on stage and has already recorded an EP due out next month.
 
The band has also found success in the Manly Marvels band competition, and will compete in the semi-finals at the Manly Fisho Club on 25 August.
 
Aside from studying traditional HSC courses, the unique opportunity to be taught by music industry professionals has helped propel Break 407 in its winning ways.
 
“We all write songs and our teachers are amazing at giving us feedback and support for the band,” says Sam.
 
The chance to study in an environment with tertiary music students also spurs on the young musicians.
 
“If I am playing my guitar in the foyer alongside a talented AIM degree student, I want to be able to cut it”, says Sam. “That is a huge motivation and they inspire me to improve my own playing.”
 
AIM High School students can complete their HSC and gain a UAI while at the same time being able to pursue their passion, play music and perform. AIM High offers a continuum of performance opportunities for young people to develop their skills, as well as the invaluable opportunity of individual music lessons. Break 407 singer Nadia Abdelghani has already wowed audiences at the recent World Skills event at the State Theatre, singing 'Eminem's Lose Yourself'.

Hear Break 407 at: www.myspace.com/brk407