Five high schools from around the Bay are set to have their lunch breaks rocked when students from Waiariki/Bay of Plenty Polytechnic's music programme visit at the end of August.

Studying Tioriori – Certificate in Music Production and Performance, the students have formed three bands and will be performing a mixture of pop covers and originals.

Waiariki/Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Music students are getting set to rock local high schools. Supplied photos.

The performance part of the experience is crucial to the student's learning, says programme coordinator Dave Bishop.

'This helps the students increase their confidence and experience in performing in front of an audience.

'It's also a good way to apply the classroom theory in a practical sense.”

Student and singer-songwriter Rachel Túnnell has written two original songs, including 'It Killed Me To Say”, which will be included on the tour.

'I will carry onto the diploma next year,” says Rachel. 'It was my plan to become a high school music teacher, but there are so many different things you can do with music. This course is really opening my eyes to the possibilities.”

Paper Kingdom, Unique Talent and Out of Sorts will visit Papamoa College on August 29, Te Puke High on August 30, Katikati College on August 31, Otumoetai College on September 1, and will finish up at Mount Maunganui College on September 2.