Organized by music educators Molly Clark and Brian Boyes, Harwood’s Highland Mediaworks holds an annual battle of the bands competition as a part of Spirit Week.

For many years, Harwood has held a school-wide “Spirit Week”: a time for students to celebrate school spirit, as well as a friendly competition between grades based on “spirit points”. 

Spirit points can be awarded to a class for participating in activities, showing school spirit, and being a responsible member of the school community. Spirit Week activities consist of an Iron Chef Competition, curation of themed music videos, decorating Harwood’s halls, painting murals, Highlander themed mini-games, and a Battle of The Bands. The winning class earns the honor of having their class plaque added to the sacred ugly kilt, a Scottish heirloom passed down from class to class.

This year’s Battle of the Bands entailed six bands and five solo/duo performances. Winners are determined by a small group of judges consisting of four teachers. 

This year’s winner in the duo category was pianist Nate Conyers and vocalist Zoe Blackman, playing Angel from Montgomery, by Bonnie Wright. 

This year’s winner in the band category was Harwood’s 11-piece Assembly Band, playing Runaway Baby, by Bruno Mars.

For many years the band has been an integral part of Harwood’s community, acting as a role model for aspiring musicians. “I hope that others can see what we do here and feel inspired to do the same,” remarked Junior Sawyer Popowicz, the Assembly Band’s guitarist. 

Any students wishing to participate may sign up as a part of a band, as well as solo or duo. “We practice at least once every week for an hour and a half,” said Tarin Askew, member of the Glam Cowboys. “We have been together as a band for almost two years.” It is the band’s responsibility to practice and prepare on their own time.

Battle of the Bands was organized by Harwood’s Highland Mediaworks (formerly the Assembly Crew): a small student-led group in charge of facilitating school assemblies/gatherings, who also host a Battle of the Bands in the fall, where bands throughout Vermont can compete.

For any students wishing to contribute to the school community, and have a blast in the process, keep an eye out for the Battle of the Band sign-ups next Spirit Week.