Dream big; A mental note from a hamilton teacher to his students when they set out on a musical mission.
The group from Hamilton East School has recorded an album that's about to be pressed on vinyl and sold in record stores.
The songs they chose cover versions of Split Enz debut album Mental Notes - material that is decades older than all of them including their teacher!
It's been 50 years since the original album was released.
The tribute record is the work of mainly 10 and 11 year olds from Hamilton East Primary who have been involved in everything from the cover design to the musical arrangement and vocals.
Photo: Supplied
The teacher and mastermind behind the project is Lachie Holt.
He told Checkpoint the kids grew to look Split Enz and their music
"At first the songs were a bit strange and weird but, you know, I think they grew to love them over the duration of the project and, you know, now you can sort of hear them singing away during class time which is really lovely."
He said the 50 year anniversary of Split Enz album, Mental Notes, inspired the project.
Holt said once the project ball got rolling, the kids even got to meet and interview some of the band members.
"I think they did amazing, they poured their heart and soul into it and they practised for weeks and weeks
"Yeah, very very different then the more main stream pop stuff that came later on...
"They did absolutely amazing," he said.
The group in the studio. Photo: Supplied
He said the biggest lesson he believed the kids had learned was that anything was possible.
"I think they started to see the value in what they were doing and, you know, that their hard work was really paying off and getting some attention.
"And I think they are very proud of that."
He said he was really passionate about music and giving student "cool opportunities".
"It's amazing to see these young students adding their flavour, their voice.
"It's a really fresh look on Mental Notes," he said.
Split Enz. Photo: supplied
The next goal for the project was to get the record into the New Zealand charts, Holt said.
Mental Notes Project, A Split Enz tribute will be released in JB Hi-Fi stores across the country in about two weeks.
It is available for pre order here.
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