Bands from Across the State Compete at ASU’s Battle of the Bands
Hours of hard work is paying off for these students.
“We just had district competition and then we went straight into this for practice so we’ve made sure that all of our routines and stuff are together,” says Christopher Holden of Lee High School.
They say preparing for Alabama State University’s battle of the bands is tough but it’s worth it.
“We’ve been working diligently, everyday, non-stop until seven or eight in afternoon after school. we’re tired, but we’re ready,” says Mikayla Rolling of P.D Jackson-Olin High School.
The battle features 12 bands including middle school, high school, and college. While middle school bands don’t compete, officials say the event gives them valuable experience.
“They’re given an opportunity to be around the larger kids, the bigger kids to get an idea on how it works and they get excited because they get to play in front of an audience,” says James Oliver, Director of Bands at Alabama State University.
As for high school and college bands, it’s a chance to compete for trophy’s and bragging rights.
“I’m expecting to blow my heart out as the rest of my band members,” says Rolling.
“I’m excited, my band members are excited, the whole staff. we’re very excited for this,” says Daniel Terry of Jefferson Davis High School.
Students say the battle is their moment to show off their talents, while creating a memorable experience.
“They can expect a show to remember,” says Terry.
At the end of the competition, the bands with the best performance win trophies. There was also one senior from each high school that received a scholarship based on their band director’s recommendation.
