Solar Flare, a band formed by students at Gian Franġisk Abela Junior College, Msida, yesterday took part in the first International High Schools Music contest in Istanbul, Turkey. Bands from Turkey, Germany, Italy, Lebanon and Macedonia also participated. The band comprises electric guitarists Darren Cumbo and Etienne Vella, bass guitarist Jack Daniel Farrugia, Mark Zerafa on drums and Nicole Mallia as main singer. They were accompanied by lecturers Ronald Grech Santucci and Elaine Camilleri and Maltese composer and singer Philip Vella who formed part of the international jury.