Kaleesha, who is still in primary school and Casey, who is in Year 10 at Hamilton Boys' High School, were named one of the finalists. They are among 10 bands to contest next month's regional finals.
This year, in a separate category for solo/duos, the top three for Waikato were Harry Parsons (Cambridge High School), Ruby Walsh (Hauraki Plains College) and PDJ (Morrinsville College).
The top 10 bands to play off at the regional final at Clarence Street Theatre on Saturday, June 29 are Situation Vacant, Hamilton Boys' High School; Sunday Best, St Peter's School (Cambridge); Chocolate Milk Homicide, St John's College (Hillcrest); The Beautiful Shambles, Hillcrest High School; Red Nite Sky, St Peter's; Smoking Barrels, Taumarunui High School; The Shift, Hamilton Boys'; Hot Nothing, Waikato Diocesan School For Girls; All Of A Kind, Putaruru College; and 5 Rupee, Morrinsville College.
The Midnight Youth lead singer and SFRQ alumni, Jeremy Redmore, gave the aspiring musicians advice on the music industry.
He told the crowd that aspiring professional musicians had to be prepared to do it for the love of music, nothing else.
"Don't get into it for fame or money," said Redmore. "If you want to be famous, go on a reality TV show; it is way easier."
SFRQ is now in its 25th year.
About 700 entries are expected to go through regional heats and finals in 23 towns from Invercargill to Whangarei.
Founder and director Glenn Common says while much has changed in the 25 years that SFRQ has been running, there are some things that remain the same.
"The enthusiasm of young people for their music, and the way they respond to having a platform to perform to their peers is one of the constants," he says.
"These days they can put their video clips up on YouTube, but that hasn't taken the thrill out of getting up on stage in front of a live crowd."
