Metallica have revealed the winners of their inaugural For Whom The Band Tolls marching band competition. In April, these legends challenged marching bands nationwide to deliver outstanding performances of their music. Sponsored by Metallica, winning high school and collegiate bands will receive funds for new equipment in their music programs. The competition allowed bands to use Metallica’s music for free, offering a library of marching band charts for their songs via Sheet Music Direct.
Professional judges from Conn-Selmer narrowed the high school and collegiate winners to five finalists in each category. Metallica then selected the final prize winners, distributing a total of nearly $200,000 in equipment provided by sponsors TAMA, KHS America, Zildjian, D’Addario Woodwinds, Evans Drumheads, ProMark, and Gator, in partnership with Sweetwater, Conn Selmer, and Hal Leonard. More information can be found on the competition’s official website.
The results of the competition are as follows:
College (Division 1): Auburn University – $75,000
College (Divisions 2 & 3): Eastern New Mexico University – $40,000
High School (Large): Dobyns-Bennett High School (Kingsport, TN) – $15,000
High School (Medium): Tie:
Boerne High School (Boerne, TX) and Malverne High School (Malverne, NY) – $15,000 each
High School (Small): Oakton High School (Vienna, VA) – $15,000
Fan Favorite (College): Auburn University – $10,000
Fan Favorite (High School): Dobyns-Bennett High School (Kingsport, TN) – $10,000
Metallica expressed the following:
“Massive thanks to all who brought Metallica to their marching band programs, and congratulations to all the schools who claimed a prize! If this is the first you’re hearing about this competition, here’s some background. Marching bands at high school and collegiate levels cranked their repertoires up to 11 to compete for nearly $200,000 in equipment by creating the most exciting, unique, and impressive performances incorporating our music.
Over 450 schools accepted our challenge! Once submissions closed, fans from all over the country chimed in, casting their votes for their favorite performances, while professional judges narrowed it down to five finalists in each category. Finally, we — as in the members of Metallica — chose the grand prize winners! The victors in each category will receive instruments and equipment for their programs thanks to our sponsors TAMA, KHS America, Zildjian, D’Addario Woodwinds, Evans Drumheads, ProMark, and Gator, in partnership with Sweetwater, Conn Selmer, and Hal Leonard.”
