Newbury Park High School is looking for Bands in the Ventura County to participate in the 1st Annual Battle of the Bands Competition. This opportunity to showcase Ventura's talented musicians is a fund raiser for the Student Leadership Instrumental Music Department.

The student leaders decided to host this event so they could take an active role in raising money for the IMD. Nicole Dichirico, President and Drum Major at Newbury Park High's Instrumental Music Department conceived the idea of hosting the event after attending various venues this summer and recognizing many NPHS students. "I was amazed to see all the talent we have at Newbury. Aces High, Amperage, Shadows of Illusion, Vitality and Melted Minds are all brutal! I knew after watching them we could have a successful fund raiser to purchase instruments for our department."

Newbury Park High had previously been loaned instruments and equipment from a private drum and bugle corp.Unfortunately, this summer the organization needed to restructure and they reclaimed their instruments. The Instrumental Music Department at NPHS suffered a great loss when the loaned instruments were reclaimed. The students decided they would take an active role in building their music program by raising money to purchase new instruments.

The competition will be held on Saturday, December 15th from 7pm to 11pm in the NPHS gym at 456 North Reino Road. Admission is $7.00 with a student ID and $10.00 for adults or students without an ID. Tickets may be purchased in advance in room M2.

Application packets are available in M2 which is the Instrumental Music Department Classroom. Tryouts are to be held on October 24th from 6pm - 9pm in the NPHS gym or you may submit a MP3 file or CD at time of registration. The entry fee is $70.00 per band or the band may elect to sell ten tickets at $7.00 each to students. First place takes ALL entry fees received.

The Battle of the Bands is designed to give young musicians a venue in which to perform for their peers and the community. In addition, the fund raiser will help the Student Leaders at Newbury Park's IMD to raise money to purchase instruments for their department.

Come out and support the many talented musicians in the Ventura County.

For additional information on the Battle of the Bands or how to donate to the Student Leadership Instrumental Music Department please contact Nicole, President Student Leadership at Newbury Park High School, 456 North Reino Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320 or stop by the NPHS Music Dept Room M2. Support the Arts!