Battle of the Bands

General Event Information

DULUTH, MN - Sunday, April 17, 2011 is set for Junior Achievement’s 5th Battle of the Bands and Youth Rocks Expo. This unique event brings twelve middle and high school “garage bands” together in a head-to-head competition. Set on a massive stage with professional lighting and sound, the winning band receives a multi-day professional recording session, local radio air play and much more. In addition, there is a Youth Rocks Expo with vendors, services and products geared towards pre-teen and teenagers. Attendees can try out musical equipment, see how instruments are made, talk with recording studios, skateboard, play wii/playstation, get fake tattoos, talk with participating bands and much more.
“We created our Battle of the Bands event four years ago to encourage young musicians to consider becoming entrepreneurs; to raise awareness of Junior Achievement; and to bring local schools and their students together in a fun, safe and engaging event,” states Amber Madoll, District Manager for JA.
“In addition,” states Madoll, “we wanted community youth, in general, to know that if they have big dreams, they should definitely go after them. Students should study hard, get hands-on experience in their career choice and work diligently now on building career skills, rather than waiting until after school is over. Ultimately, this is what JA is all about. We want the students to know that no matter their age they can be entrepreneurs; we want the schools to know that we have the tools and curriculum they need to educate these students to best prepare them to achieve their dreams; and we want the community to know that JA is providing fiscal literacy, entrepreneurship, career development and workforce readiness to our community youth.”

Last year’s competitors were:

• “Aphamy” representing Ashland High School (WI) (2nd Place)
• “Excuse Me Princess” representing Duluth East High School (MN) (3rd Place)
• “T.B.T.” representing Durand High School (WI)
• “Badger Quest” representing Harbor City International School (MN)
• “Turpentine Brigade” representing Hermantown High School (MN)
• “Arise The Dawn” representing are homeschools (WI)
• “Small Town Story” representing Lakeview Christian Academy (MN)
• “Resist The Armistice” representing Mora High School (MN)
• “Crescendo” representing Proctor High School (MN)
• “Crescent Moon” representing Superior High School (WI) (First Place)
• “Silencing The Desperate” representing Two Harbors High School (MN)
• “Underground Til Sundown” representing Deer River School (MN)
• Alternate 1: “Take The Fall” representing Grand Rapids High School (MN)
• Alternate 2: “Compadre” representing Ely Memorial High School (MN)

Tickets this year will be a flat $10 giving attendees full access to the event including main stage, balcony and expo.

For the more information about High School Rocks- Battle of the Bands visit www.highschoolrocks.org. We are also on myspace and facebook.