The Performing Art Center was the battle ground once again for a war fought with drums, guitars, voices, and even a harmonica. This year’s Battle of the Bands boasted 11 groups performing, over double last year’s five bands, and included a wide range of music genres.
The groups competed for the chance at their own concert in the PAC and had ten minutes each to perform. They were judged based on the crowd’s reaction, or a decibel-meter, and also by the scores of the three judges: Marcel Graham, PAC coordinator, Sheri Conover, assistant band director, and Sheila Evans, English teacher.
For those who missed the musical event, here’s a recap of the groups who performed and won the first, second, and third place prizes. For sound clips of each group’s performance, check out the Bear Facts website at https://lzbearfacts.com.
First place: With Time I Create
Ryan Trudeau, senior: guitar, lead vocals
Parker Matzinger, senior: drums
Trent Adams, ’11 graduate: bass, back-up vocals
Amrit Singh, junor: rapping
Alyson Beyer, ’11 graduate: rhythm guitar
Jeffrey Kornfeld, junior: keyboard
With Time I Create took first place for their performance of ‘Sugar We’re Going Down’ by Fall Out Boy, ‘First Date’ by Blink 182, and ‘Faint’ by Linkin Park. This band returned to the stage from last year’s competition feeling confident and ready to perform.
Though some of the musicians were different this year from last year, the band had been together for a while, which was something they believed set them apart from the other groups performing. Matzinger also said their inspiration as a band does not come from any one group, but a mix of performers, which he believes also set them apart.
“I would say as a whole, our band does not look up to any one band,” Matzinger said.
Trudeau agreed, and said the individual musical tastes of the members combined to create one cohesive sound. Their group was also one of only two groups to include a female performer, and also a member who rapped (Singh).
As the prize for winning first place, With Time I Create performed in their own concert on March 9, and played *insert info about show here when it happens*
Second place: An Awkward Moment
Anders Johanson, homeschooler: guitar, lead vocals
David Cartolano, junior: keyboards, backup vocals
Ryan Nelson, junior: drums
Perhaps the most highly anticipated band of the evening, An Awkward Moment returned from their win of last year to take second place in this year’s competition. They won the opportunity to open the show for With Time I Create’s concert on March 9.
This year’s performance, however, did not include more 80s hits like those of last year, but went with a more alternative sound, according to the band members. The group covered ‘Use Somebody’ by Kings of Leon, ‘This Love’ by Maroon 5, and ‘Paradise’ by Coldplay.
Just like With Time I Create, the band has had several member changes in the past year, and the group that performed had ultimately been playing together for three months prior to the battle. Johanson, Nelson, and Cartolano felt that among other things, their group stood out because of their skill level, their energy, and their chemistry.
“We work well together, we have fun,” Johanson said.
Going into the performance, the band members said they were worried about mistakes, but overall felt confident in their abilities as a group.
“We’re feeling pretty good because we’ve practiced these songs 1,102 times,” Cartolano said.
An Awkward Moment performed at the March 9 concert as the opening band for With Time I Create *insert info here from that concert*
Third Place: Acoustic Thunder
Ryan Trudeau, senior: guitar, lead vocals
Chandler Croneigh, senior: piano
Acoustic Thunder took third place in the competition, winning a gift card to Offbeat Music Store. As their name would suggest, this group took an acoustic spin on the covers they performed, which included ‘Hey Ya’ by Outkast and ‘3 AM’ by Matchbox 20.
Trudeau and Croneigh felt their pair stood out because of their strictly acoustic sound. They have been playing together for a year, and were excited to present their music to the audience.
“We have less of an edge. A lot of these groups are really hard-core rock groups and we’re just kind of laid back, I think,” Trudeau said. “We’re both in jazz band, [and] I think that sets us apart too, that gives us a little talent edge.”
Sidebar: Other Bands
Mike Bliss
Mike Bliss, junior, vocalist
Singularists
Apollo Taje, junior: guitar, vocals
Dan Bonif, sophomore: bass
David Tian, junior: guitar
Dylan James, junior: vocals
Anthony Foglia, sophomore: drums
Jeffrey Kornfeld, junior: keyboards
Warheart
Jeffrey Kornfeld, junior: keyboards, vocals
Erika Smolyar, junior: vocals
Josh Arizmendi, ’11 graduate: guitar
Tyler Affinito, junior: bass
Burnside
Harry Lowis, senior: bass, vocals
Andrew Lehtinen, senior: drums
Cole Leoni, senior: guitar
Short Notice
Matt Meyle, sophomore: vocals
Brendan Murphey, sophomore: guitar, vocals, keyboard
Matt Wang, freshman: drummer
Julian Mauleon, sophomore: guitar, backup vocals
Declan O’ Connor, freshman: bass
Ryan Peterson, freshman: guitar, vocals
The Looks
Eric Breden, sophomore: drums
Kenny Shields, sophomore: bass
Matt O’ Connor, sophomore: guitar, vocals
Per Lønning
Sean Delanty, senior: guitar, vocals
Peter Batridge, senior: electronics
Simple Minded
Alex Skowron, senior: guitar, harmonica
Taylor Dever, senior: djembe
Dan Kunz, senior: guitar