Student Musicians Take the Stage at ETM's 2nd Annual Battle of the Bands

On May 29, student musicians from three Education Through Music (ETM) partner schools came together for ETM’s 2nd Annual Battle of the Bands, an exciting celebration of creativity, collaboration, and musical achievement.

Held at ETM partner school Academy of Mount St. Ursula in the Bronx, the event featured seven student rock bands representing Academy of Mount St. Ursula, One World Middle School, and MS/HS 223X. Throughout the day, students took the stage to perform for their peers, teachers, families, and guest judges, showcasing the skills they have developed through months of rehearsal and music instruction.

The performances reflected not only musical talent, but also the teamwork, discipline, and confidence that students build through participation in school music programs. From classic rock favorites to contemporary hits, each band brought its own unique energy and style to the stage.

After an impressive afternoon of performances, 29th Hour from Academy of Mount St. Ursula earned first place and took home the championship belt. Fellow AMSU band Saint Society secured second place in a closely contested competition. Third place was awarded to The Unknown from One World Middle School.

While the event included friendly competition, the true spirit of the day was one of encouragement and community. Students cheered one another on, celebrated each other’s accomplishments, and demonstrated the supportive culture that music education helps foster.

We extend our sincere thanks to music teachers Alfredo Hernandez (Academy of Mount St. Ursula), Itay Lantner (One World Middle School), and Nick Biagini (MS/HS 223X) for their dedication and hard work in preparing students for the event. Their guidance and commitment helped students develop not only as musicians, but also as collaborators and performers.

Special thanks as well to our guest judges—Chris Atlas, Dion Summers, and Alan Davis—for lending their expertise, thoughtful feedback, and encouragement to our young musicians.

Congratulations to all of the students who participated in this year’s Battle of the Bands. We are proud of their hard work, growth, and willingness to share their music with the community. Events like Battle of the Bands highlight the transformative power of music education and the incredible accomplishments students can achieve when given opportunities to learn, create, and perform.

View photos from the event below!