Battle of the Bands
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Battle of the Bands is a generic term for a contest in which many bands, usually rock/guitar bands but often from a range of different styles, compete for the title of "best band". The winner is determined by a panel of judges, the general response of the audience, or a combination. The winning band usually receives a prize in addition to bragging rights. Prizes usually include cash, free recording time in a local recording studio, a piece of new equipment, or a gift certificate.
United States
In some cases in the US, battles are sometimes hosted by megachurches. The megachurch offers the Battle a large venue, a professional sound engineer, and promotion of the show, as well as inexpensive admission for fans. In return, the church does some evangelizing with a video or a message from the youth pastor. Usually the bands showcased are exclusively Christian bands.
Common sponsors of these competitions include schools from secondary to university level, but can be hosted by any organization. A secondary school may often opt to have a Battle of the Bands instead of a traditional talent show in an effort to raise public awareness or generate funds for school activities.
One such university level "Battle of the Bands" features the marching bands of Grambling State University and Southern University during halftime of the Bayou Classic. For 2005 Southwest Airlines sponsored the Battle.
United Kingdom
Versions of the Battle of the Bands contest in the UK often include rock/guitar based bands in a knock-out style competition, with voting based on judges and audience reaction. Contests held in pubs or clubs can be based on "reality TV" style shows where solo singers compete against each other.
Australia
There are many local Battle of the Bands competitions held at local centres. Schools holding competitions between their own students is not uncommon, with some even using their competition to get the best bands to face off against another local school's best bands.
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