The Territory’s most talented music students will battle it out for a place on stage at BASSINTHEGRASS 2017, with the Battle of the School Bands launched today.

The annual competition is open to all Northern Territory middle and senior students (Years 7-12). Students can enter as a part of a band, duo or soloist.

Territory students have the opportunity to earn a place in the 2017 Battle of the School Bands final, to be held on Friday 21 April at Brown’s Mart Theatre in Darwin.

The winners will play alongside international acts at the annual BASSINTHEGRASS music festival in Darwin on 20 May 2017.

The Battle of the School Bands competition is a highlight on the education calendar each year with 2016 seeing the highest number of entrants in the Battle of the Schools Bands history.

Bill Grose, Principal of NT Music School said the competition engages students from right across the Territory.

“This competition is about bringing young performers from different schools together to share their talents,” Mr Grose said.

“With the competition now in its eighth year, this year will be the first time that the Battle of the School Bands Final will be streamed live.

“Not only will our finalists be performing to an audience in Darwin, their musical talents will broadcast over the Internet, providing them with worldwide exposure.

“For students thinking about entering, I encourage you to have a go. The rewards for entering competitions like Battle of the School Bands are more than worth it.”

Since winning the competition in 2016, local band Gaia from Darwin High School have played gigs around the Top End, recorded their first demo, played on local radio stations as well as on Triple J.

The Battle of the School Bands program has also grown to provide and support regular All Ages Gigs for Territory students.

For more information including how to enter, go to www.ntms.net.au and click on the Battle of the School Bands link.

Media – for further information contact Joss Wyer 0401 119 215.