This was previously published in our April 2024 issue.

Taking place on Tuesday, April 2, Emmaus High School’s Choral Department in conjunction with the Groove Club held Battle of the Bands, a competition of five student bands performing cover songs. The two organizations collaborated to make the event possible, ensuring guests had plenty of options for food and drinks alongside a vibrant atmosphere with decorative lights. A panel of judges and votes cast from guests determined the winners of the event.

The first band to perform, Controlled Chaos, previously featured in The Stinger, showcased four songs. Lead singer, senior Hayden David, immediately raised the energy of the cafeteria with his stage presence alone. Accompanying David were his band members: seniors Chris Tucker and Paul Schmidt, and freshman Vic Schmidt. The band’s latter performances boomed with intense electric guitar plays, invigorating drumming, and piercing vocals. Songs “Break Out” by Foo Fighters, “Portuguese Knife Fight” by Cage the Elephant, and “Bad to the Bone” by George Thorogood and the Destroyers heightened excitement and created the perfect introduction to the event. With their performance, the event saw the beginning formations of an enraptured crowd. Concluding their fierce performance, an impressive electric guitar solo rang throughout the cafeteria with the band’s cover of “Vaseline” by Stone Temple Pilots.

Shortly after, the band Tetrum, consisting of seniors Cole Peters, Eric Wagaman, Gregory Smith, and junior Darian Rojas played heavy rock, delivered by fierce vocals from Smith. Their next two covers of “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine and “Symphony of Destruction” by Megadeth brought the audience towards the senior stage with many jumping to the beat. Tetrum concluded their time on stage with a stirring electric guitar solo, leaving the audience full of energy for the next bands.

As large crowds formed, I’m With Stupid took their turn on stage, consisting of an all senior line-up, with members Vincent Ciminera, Colton Kline, Owen Boger and Ebin Bryan. Apart from Controlled Chaos and Tetrum, I’m With Stupid’s larger set of songs paved the path to a performance of diverse variations of rock, including alternative and experimental. Lead singer Ciminera led an inviting and interactive stage presence to later lead the vocals with simultaneous supporting guitar plays to “Go With the Flow” and “Little Sister” by Queens of the Stone Age, “Interstate Love Song” and “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart” by Stone Temple Pilots, “Waiting Room” by Fugazi, and “Lump” by The Presidents of the United States of America. Even with the higher number of songs, each cover was performed with consistent harmony and solid vocals with amazing endurance.

Transitioning to nostalgic hits of the early 2000s, the next band, Visionblur, consisting of freshman Joshua Conrad, sophomore Diego Chavolla and junior June Conrad, performed popular songs “All the Small Things” by blink-182 and “Karma Police” by Radiohead. The energetic stage presence of lead singer Chavolla swayed the audience and people piled towards the stage, singing along and bouncing to the throwback tunes.

Ending the lively night, all-senior band Diamond One delivered beautiful vocals with more alternative-infused energy. The all-senior lineup Tino Bermudez, Emerson Henriquez, Neil Bakrania, Leah Halcisak, Ethan Causa, and Hamza Asghar performed songs “Just” and “Jigsaw Falling Into Place” by Radiohead and jazz-infused “Reelin’ In The Years” by Steely Dan. Offset from their initial genre choice, Diamond One gave a lasting impression with their captivating cover of “Peace Sells” by Megadeth with powerful vocals from lead singer Bermudez and balanced band harmony.

Following the conclusion of each performance, the judge’s panel along with the audience determined the ranking of them. After votes were cast, the panel announced; Best Stage Presence went to Visionblur; Best Overall Solo went to Diamond One; and Best Overall Sound went to Controlled Chaos. Determined by votes, Visionblur ranked third place, Tetrum second, and Diamond One took first place, all taking home medals.

Battle of the Bands was the perfect opportunity for exposure for the bands that performed and provided much-needed recognition. Every member displayed immense talent and deserved their medals. From strong vocals to bass instrumentalists, it was clear each band dedicated substantial amounts of effort into rehearsing and performing; however, their unique talents brought home gold.

In total, Battle of the Bands raised approximately $1,000, and half of the profits went to Shave for the Brave. With the remaining profits, Emmaus can hope an event like this will become a tradition for years to come.