A MUSIC school has held its first-ever Battle of the Bands competition, which saw nine bands compete to be named Marshall’s Band of the Year.
Organised by The Marshall’s School of Music in Queensbury, around 80 students took part in the event at the weekend.
Musicians ranging in age from ten to 65 took to the stage in the school’s Live Room at its Black Dyke Mills home.
It was down to the judges and guest judges to pick the winner, and Golden Rose, made up of ten to 12-year-olds, were the winners on the night.
Nichola and Will Marshall opened their School of Music three years ago, expanding recently to take on another 2,000 sq ft at the mill.
They also have a total of 15 bands and two choirs, as well as 11 tutors.
Nichola told the Telegraph & Argus: “So our Battle of the Band programme this weekend was for our bands, aged 10 to 65. We had 80 students performing across nine bands and they all played songs within their bands.
“There were about 250 people in the audience who came to support everybody, which was fantastic.”
Of the winners, Golden Rose, she added that they played a version of Enemy by Imagine Dragons, and their prize is to go into a recording studio to record their song, and to create a music video too.
“It’s the first time that we have done a Battle of the Bands. We do student showcase events and band gigs all the time, but this is our first time for this type of event.
“It was a really good evening, and we have just got a fantastic community around the school – so everybody was able to bring somebody to support them.
“Getting everybody on stage and in front of a huge audience on Saturday was just brilliant for both the kids and older bands involved as well.
“It was a great success and we’ll be doing one every year to name the Marshall’s Band of the Year.
Will, whose background is as a vocal coach, alongside other tutors, can offer lessons in guitar and bass, drums, singing and piano.
Due to demand, the School is currently seeking new music tutors.
Nichola added: “We are constantly launching new bands. We are currently looking for more tutors because we've now got waiting lists, for both individuals and bands.”
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