Entries are now open for Hampshire County Council’s Music Service Battle of the Bands so if you are under 17 you have till Friday 3rd January 2014 to enter.
The contest includes the opportunity to play at a major venue to a live audience and a panel of professionals to find the overall best band. Bands taking part in the competition will get the opportunity to perform live and receive recognition for their musical talents with advice from professional musicians.
Closing date for entries is Friday 3 January 2014 and it is open to young people who will be under 17 on 31 July 2014.
All you need to do is email an MP3 file of one song, either a cover song or original material, to dean.hallett@hants.gov.uk or send a CD to Hampshire Music Service, Rookwood Centre, Penshurst Way, Eastleigh, SO50 4RJ.
You will need to include:
- the name of your band
- individual band members’ names
- which instrument they play
- details of your school, college or youth centre
- your contact details
Studio quality recording is not necessary – raw talent is enough and bands that are shortlisted will go through to the second round of the competition which involves playing at a live heat in the spring of 2014.
The winners of each live heat will then go through to the spectacular final in the summer to play at a venue to a panel of professional musicians who will judge the overall best band.
The Battle of the Bands has taken place since 2011 to give young bands in Hampshire a chance to perform live. The competitions run all over the country but this is not part of a national scheme.
Previous participants have gone on to appear at festivals, concerts and venues, including the Music For Youth Series which can result in ensembles playing at the Albert Hall.
For the website, please see http://www3.hants.gov.uk/education/hms