(This is an archive story, please refer to the byline for journalist’s name)
By Kialani Siavii
Battle of the Bands took place on Jan. 30 in the auditorium. There were 14 acts in total with five finalists. The winner of the competition was Sophomore Larie McMaster. The event was organized by English Teacher and Newspaper Advisor Stacy Manross and Newspaper Editor in Chief Braylee Schlegel.
“Honestly, I was surprised,” McMaster said. “I truly didn’t intend to win.”
McMaster was one of the many performers who were nervous about going on stage and performing in front of a crowd. McMaster originally wanted to perform a song without competing, but she was influenced by peers to compete. This experience persuaded her to audition next year.
For the auditions, the acts had to pay 10 dollars and perform a musical piece in front of English teacher Stephen Beach, Newspaper Managing Editor Gabby Vidana, Copy Editor Jeslynn Huddleston, Manross, and Schlegel.
“Dress rehearsal was the time that we could see what we needed to work on before the actual show.” Sophomore Tyler Corder said.
Dress rehearsal was on Jan. 29. The rehearsal gave the performers an opportunity to work out all of their problems and gave the stagehands an idea when to put out mics, push out the piano, etc.
“I was excited to be part of the judging panel, although I felt like my vote was a wash because I thought everyone was amazing and I was so excited to score them accordingly.” Math Teacher Vanessa Garza said.
There were a total of five judges. World Geography Teacher and Coach Johnathan Allen, English Teacher Alicia Bohannon, Economic Teacher, and Coach Timothy Kromer, English Teacher Maci Romaine, and Garza.
“I was shocked, I knew people were talented, but it was crazy hearing them for the first time.” Freshman Reygen Currin said.
Many of the people in attendance were there to support a friend or loved one. This event gave an insight into all of the talented students that go to school. It also showed the courage the performers have.
“The most memorable moment for me during Battle of the Bands was making new friends and getting closer to people I never thought I would get close to,” McMaster said.
Multiple organizations volunteered to help. Theater helped backstage with bringing props out to the stage, FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) helped do many different jobs to help prepare, the Newspaper staff helped in many areas of the event, Yearbook was there taking pictures and the AV team filmed the entire competition.
“If there is another Battle of the Bands, I will definitely attend. It was a splendid experience that I hope to be at again.” Currin said.