East High School Marching Band Competes Nationally in Metallica Marching Band Competition
East High School’s marching band is gearing up to compete in a nationwide event sponsored by the iconic heavy metal band Metallica. The competition, known as the Metallica Marching Band Competition, offers the chance for schools to showcase their musical talent and win thousands of dollars in instruments and equipment.
Led by band director Joelle Smith, the 70-member East High School band recorded a performance of Metallica’s classic hit For Whom the Bell Tolls earlier this fall at Waterloo Memorial Stadium. Smith, a Metallica fan herself, expressed her excitement about participating in a heavy metal-style show and competing on a national stage.
Smith believes that the band has added unique elements, such as movement and a heavy metal band, that set them apart from other competitors. She is confident that East High School has a good shot at making it to the top 10.
The Metallica Marching Band Competition currently has 29 high school bands enrolled, and more are expected to join. Bands are required to submit videos of their performances of select Metallica songs, and public voting will determine the fan favorite. The winners will be announced on or around January 1, with the chance to win new gear and instruments for their programs.
Videos of the performances, including East High School’s marching band, can be viewed and voted on at metallicamarchingband.com. Additionally, professional judges will narrow down the participants to five finalists in each collegiate division and the high school division. Metallica will then choose the top band in each category.
The students at East High School have been diligently practicing their song since the beginning of the school year. For Whom the Bell Tolls was featured in the band’s Metal Mania field show performed at home football games and marching competitions throughout the fall. The show also included music from other iconic metal bands like Alice Cooper and Black Sabbath.
Sophomore Sophie Matlock, a member of the band’s color guard, expressed her excitement about performing to heavy metal music. She appreciates how being in the competition introduces the band to a variety of music genres and provides an opportunity to showcase their talent to metal fans nationwide.
Metallica frontman James Hetfield announced the competition on YouTube in April, encouraging bands to showcase their creativity and impressiveness in their performances of Metallica songs. With sponsors like Tama, Sweetwater, and Zildjian offering over $150,000 worth of gear, high school and collegiate bands have the chance to win valuable equipment for their programs.
In addition to supporting her own band, Smith is also interested in seeing Iowa State University’s marching band succeed in the competition. Trevor Averhoff, one of Smith’s former students, is a lead trumpet player in the band. Iowa State University entered the competition with a routine that incorporated elements from the popular TV show Stranger Things and performed Metallica songs like Hit the Lights, One, and Master of Puppets.
The winners of the Collegiate and High School divisions will receive new musical equipment worth up to $75,000 and $15,000, respectively. The fan favorites in each category will also receive prizes worth $10,000.
Winning in either the fan favorite or high school division would greatly benefit East High School’s music program, according to Smith. While the school district provides support, there is always a need for more resources to enhance the band’s capabilities.
The Metallica Marching Band Competition offers an incredible opportunity for high school bands to showcase their talent and win valuable equipment. With their performance of For Whom the Bell Tolls and their unique additions to the show, East High School’s marching band is eager to Seek and Destroy their competition and make a mark in the world of heavy metal music.
