Metallica continue their commitment to community service, exemplified by the remarkable All Within My Hands Foundation. In April, these legends introduced the inaugural For Whom The Band Tolls marching band competition. This event, undoubtedly a dream for many, inspires those who participated in their school’s marching band back in the day. The challenge provides marching bands at all levels an opportunity to create their interpretation of Metallica’s music. The band collaborated with sponsors to offer winning high school and collegiate bands funds for new equipment to enhance their music programs. Once again, Metallica contributes to local schools, where, in contemporary times, the music and art departments often face the brunt of budget cuts.

Participants in the competition gained access to a library of marching band charts for Metallica songs, courtesy of Hal Leonard, through sheetmusicdirect.com. The competition winners will receive musical equipment for their school programs, generously provided by Metallica and their sponsors. Professional judges, facilitated by Conn Selmer, have narrowed the categories for both High School and Collegiate to five finalists. Out of over 450 colleges and high schools across the U.S., Metallica will ultimately select the final prize winners in each category, with announcements expected by early January. Moreover, two fan-favorite winners, determined by popular vote, will each receive $10,000, one for Collegiate and one for High School. Submissions remain open until December 31st, and voting can be done at the following location. 

The five finalists in each category are as follows:

Collegiate: Division 1 – $75,000 in prizing:

Auburn University

Fresno State University

Iowa State University

University of Iowa

University of Texas at Austin

Collegiate: Division 2, 3 – $40,000 in prizing:

Blinn College

Eastern New Mexico University

Manchester University

West Texas A&M University

Western Illinois University

High School: Small, Medium & Large – $15,000 each in prizing:

Small High School:

Cleveland High School – Cleveland, AL

Edinburg High School – Edinburg, TX

Oakton High School – Vienna, VA

Oologah High School – Oologah, OK

Valhalla High School – El Cajon, CA

Medium High School:

Boerne High School – Boerne, TX

Desert Mountain High School – Scottsdale, AZ

DeWitt High School – DeWitt, MI

Kell High School – Kennesaw, GA

Malverne High School – Malverne, NY

Large High School:

Austin High School – Sugarland, TX

Dobyns-Bennett High School – Kingsport, TN

Lambert High School – Suwanee, GA

Lorena High School – Lorena, TX

Pell City High School – Pell City, AL