The band, comprising Damon Spijkerbosch (16), Sam Maxwell (17), Jacob Sheehy (17) and George Hartshorn (16), have been together for four years and entering the competition for three years running - and say 2012 is their "big break" year.
The band came second for the Central Otago area in the 2011 competition and repeated the placing this year when it finished behind Wanaka band the Wolfmen.
However, its video clip, edited by George's father, Phil Hartshorn, propelled it in front of the Wanaka band and into the top 20.
Sam Maxwell said the hard work of the past four years is starting to show in the band's music and it had become a far more confident and well-rounded band.
"We're developing a lot more as we have spent the whole year gigging, practising and writing together."
Just under 700 bands, duos and singers entered this year's competition and just four of the final 20 come from South Island schools. The Fletchers is the only band from south of Christchurch.
"We're feeling optimistic and we're relying on confidence in our songs at this stage," Sam said.
The band entered the competition with two songs, Recognise and Starts with C, but its latest song, Love like a Phoenix, was penned just in case the band made the final eight.
Queenstown people who love a bit of rock'n'roll can find the foursome at bars such as The Ballarat Trading Company, the New Orleans in Arrowtown, Chico's and possibly Winnies if bar owners like the band's sound.
"We're the new rock'n'roll", said Sam when questioned if rock'n'roll was still cool.
If the boys go on to win, they will receive musical gear to the value of $10,000, a NZ On Air recording and music video grant worth more than $10,000, a place on the NZ On Air Kiwi Hit Disc, a radio promotional support for a single and video play on youth music channel C4.
They will also join past winners, such as Bishop, Brooke Fraser, The Datsuns, Evermore, Ladyhawke, Kids of 88, The Feelers, The Black Seeds and The Checks.
It is an impressive list, but the Queenstown high school pupils are remaining grounded. The year 12 pupils hope to stay together after they leave school and look at relocating to Australia's music capital, Melbourne.
"We're pretty serious about it," Sam said.
