The Performing Art Center was the battle ground once again for a war fought with drums, guitars, voices, and even a harmonica. This year’s Battle of the Bands boasted 11 groups performing, over double last year’s five bands, and included a wide range of music genres.

The groups competed for the chance at their own concert in the PAC and had ten minutes each to perform. They were judged based on the crowd’s reaction, or a decibel-meter, and also by the scores of the three judges: Marcel Graham, PAC coordinator, Sheri Conover, assistant band director, and Sheila Evans, English teacher.

For those who missed the musical event, here’s a recap of the groups who performed and won the first, second, and third place prizes. For sound clips of each group’s performance, check out the Bear Facts website at https://lzbearfacts.com.

First place: With Time I Create

Ryan Trudeau, senior: guitar, lead vocals

Parker Matzinger, senior: drums

Trent Adams, ’11 graduate: bass, back-up vocals

Amrit Singh, junor: rapping

Alyson Beyer, ’11 graduate: rhythm guitar

Jeffrey Kornfeld, junior: keyboard

With Time I Create took first place for their performance of ‘Sugar We’re Going Down’ by Fall Out Boy, ‘First Date’ by Blink 182, and ‘Faint’ by Linkin Park. This band returned to the stage from last year’s competition feeling confident and ready to perform.

Though some of the musicians were different this year from last year, the band had been together for a while, which was something they believed set them apart from the other groups performing. Matzinger  also said their inspiration as a band does not come from any one group, but a mix of performers, which he believes also set them apart.

“I would say as a whole, our band does not look up to any one band,” Matzinger said.

Trudeau agreed, and said the individual musical tastes of the members combined to create one cohesive sound. Their group was also one of only two groups to include a female performer, and also a member who rapped (Singh).

As the prize for winning first place, With Time I Create performed in their own concert on March 9, and played *insert info about show here when it happens*

Second place: An Awkward Moment

Anders Johanson, homeschooler: guitar, lead vocals

David Cartolano, junior: keyboards, backup vocals

Ryan Nelson, junior: drums

Perhaps the most highly anticipated band of the evening, An Awkward Moment returned from their win of last year to take second place in this year’s competition. They won the opportunity to open the show for With Time I Create’s concert on March 9.

This year’s performance, however, did not include more 80s hits like those of last year, but went with a more alternative sound, according to the band members. The group covered ‘Use Somebody’ by Kings of Leon, ‘This Love’ by Maroon 5, and ‘Paradise’ by Coldplay.

Just like With Time I Create, the band has had several member changes in the past year, and the group that performed had ultimately been playing together for three months prior to the battle. Johanson, Nelson, and Cartolano felt that among other things, their group stood out because of their skill level, their energy, and their chemistry.

“We work well together, we have fun,” Johanson said.

Going into the performance, the band members said they were worried about mistakes, but overall felt confident in their abilities as a group.

“We’re feeling pretty good because we’ve practiced these songs 1,102 times,” Cartolano said.

An Awkward Moment performed at the March 9 concert as the opening band for With Time I Create *insert info here from that concert*

Third Place: Acoustic Thunder

Ryan Trudeau, senior: guitar, lead vocals

Chandler Croneigh, senior: piano

Acoustic Thunder took third place in the competition, winning a gift card to Offbeat Music Store. As their name would suggest, this group took an acoustic spin on the covers they performed, which included ‘Hey Ya’ by Outkast and ‘3 AM’ by Matchbox 20.

Trudeau and Croneigh felt their pair stood out because of their strictly acoustic sound. They have been playing together for a year, and were excited to present their music to the audience.

“We have less of an edge. A lot of these groups are really hard-core rock groups and we’re just kind of laid back, I think,” Trudeau said. “We’re both in jazz band, [and] I think that sets us apart too, that gives us a little talent edge.”

Sidebar: Other Bands

Mike Bliss

Mike Bliss, junior, vocalist

Singularists

Apollo Taje, junior: guitar, vocals

Dan Bonif, sophomore: bass

David Tian, junior: guitar

Dylan James, junior: vocals

Anthony Foglia, sophomore: drums

Jeffrey Kornfeld, junior: keyboards

Warheart

Jeffrey Kornfeld, junior: keyboards, vocals

Erika Smolyar, junior: vocals

Josh Arizmendi, ’11 graduate: guitar

Tyler Affinito, junior: bass

Burnside

Harry Lowis, senior: bass, vocals

Andrew Lehtinen, senior: drums

Cole Leoni, senior: guitar

Short Notice

Matt Meyle, sophomore: vocals

Brendan Murphey, sophomore: guitar, vocals, keyboard

Matt Wang, freshman: drummer

Julian Mauleon, sophomore: guitar, backup vocals

Declan O’ Connor, freshman: bass

Ryan Peterson, freshman: guitar, vocals

The Looks

Eric Breden, sophomore: drums

Kenny Shields, sophomore: bass

Matt O’ Connor, sophomore: guitar, vocals

Per Lønning

Sean Delanty, senior: guitar, vocals

Peter Batridge, senior: electronics

Simple Minded

Alex Skowron, senior: guitar, harmonica

Taylor Dever, senior: djembe

Dan Kunz, senior: guitar