Muswellbrook High School has revealed its Best Kept Secret, with the local band – featuring Shyanne Irwin (rhythm guitar/vocals), Maicey Limon (vocals), Melody Dawson (lead guitar) and Jenna Wolfgang (bass guitar), among others – set to make an impact on the music scene.

Already, they’ve picked up their first professional gig, following an impressive debut performance at the recent Hunter School of the Performing Arts’ (HSPA) Bandwidth competition, which highlights up-and-coming rock groups from high schools in the region.

“Best Kept Secret, The Apricots (Belmont/Lambton HS), Misadventure (HSPA), Elipsis (Newcastle HS), Tomohauk (Toronto HS) and Romani Experience (Warners Bay HS) certainly captured plenty of attention,” HSPA technology and applied studies head teacher Darren Ponman said.

“We wish them every success in the future.”

Best Kept Secret was established “Australian Idol-style”, according to Muswellbrook High School creative and performing arts head teacher Jason Foy.

“The music teachers formed the band, so that they could compete in Bandwidth,” he said.

“Shyanne, who attended the Junior Academy of Country Music at Tamworth in July, already had a number of original songs that she’d been performing.

“And, luckily, she was open to reworking them for a full band.

“It was great to see them successfully audition to score a spot as finalists.”

Mr Foy said the reasoning behind the moniker Best Kept Secret was simple.

“To register for the band competition, they needed a name,” he explained.

“After many requests by the music teachers to supply a name, it remained a mystery.

“So, one of the teachers said their band name was the Best Kept Secret – and it stuck,” he added with a laugh.

Now, the sky’s the limited for the talented youngsters.

“They’re all on a high after their debut show [at Bandwidth],” Mr Foy said.

“They also enjoyed a very well-received performance at Muswellbrook High School’s Big Night In last Thursday evening.

“They’ve now been offered a gig at the popular Newcastle music venue, Lizottes, which will take place in March next year.

“That was actually part of the prize from the Bandwidth competition.”