Rutgers University’s second “Battle of the Bands” tournament saw Mount Olive Middle School student musicians come out on top. As champions, they will get the esteemed chance to travel to Rutgers–New Brunswick, where they will play a Big Ten football game at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey, and perform the Scarlet Knights fight song.
The Rutgers University battle song, “The Bells Must Ring,” was requested to be performed on video by middle school bands from all throughout New Jersey for the tournament. Technical proficiency, the excitement of performing live again, and the pride in representing New Jersey’s premier university were the three main criteria used by contest officials to judge the submissions.
Budd Lake, New Jersey’s South River Middle School, Joseph R. Bolger Middle School, Pine Hill Middle School, and Mount Olive Middle School were the competition’s finalists. Following a comprehensive evaluation, Mount Olive Middle School emerged victorious.
Awaiting In light of the COVID-19 pandemic health advisory, Mount Olive Middle School band members will be visiting Rutgers University in New Brunswick. They will have the exceptional opportunity to play the university’s fight song with the Rutgers marching band at a Scarlet Knights football game on an unspecified date while on this visit. To make their entire trip even better, the band members and their chaperones will also receive game tickets.
Melany McQueeny, the department chair of music for grades 6–12 at the Mount Olive School District, stated, “The students and school community are thrilled for this opportunity.” The work that our music students have produced since the pandemic makes me really pleased. Another example of Mount Olive Middle School’s diligence, tenacity, and commitment is their victory in the Rutgers Battle of the Bands.”
Courtney McAnuff, deputy chancellor for enrollment management at Rutgers–New Brunswick, originally thought of the tournament as a means of fostering a connection between younger students and Rutgers early in their academic careers. “This year, we were thrilled to bring back the ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition,” McAnuff stated. “Students can interact with Rutgers and the Big Ten conference through this contest, which will spark their interest in what lies ahead for them after middle and high school.”
Rutgers University bands director Todd Nichols said he was excited to get back in touch with younger musicians. Prior to coming to Rutgers in 2017, Nichols spent 19 years leading high school bands, so he understands the heritage and historical significance of Big Ten universities and bands. “Big Ten bands and schools have such a rich history and tradition,” Nichols remarked. “We are excited for Mount Olive to visit our campus and perform with our university band.”
In addition to showcasing middle school musicians’ abilities, the “Battle of the Bands” tournament helps build relationships between young people and higher education establishments. The success of Mount Olive Middle School is a result of their perseverance and hard work, and everyone involved will surely remember their upcoming performance at Rutgers.
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