MCHS has a burgeoning arts program. With groups like Tri-M, band, choir, and the theater department, there are many ways to showcase talent. However: some students are more independent. Garage bands, singer songwriters; not everyone can fully express themselves through the official groups MCHS offers. For these people, there are yearly events like “Battle Of The Bands”, where any student can perform. Battle Of The Bands 2023 was particularly impressive and begs the question: Should there be more open mic opportunities for independent acts to showcase their talents here at MCHS?

In general, open mic events allow for students to get a spotlight they wouldn’t normally have. They are unique in their student control. While clubs like band, choir, and theater allow for self expression in their own ways, students seldom get to pick their own set list to perform exactly how they want to. Open mics and student-led performances give a one of a kind opening for students to showcase something they don’t get to on the average day: themselves, and MCHS should double down on allowing these acts of creativity.

 “Battle of the Bands as a Junior, has always been one of my favorite school activities. The uniqueness of it, the appreciation to music, and having a whole event geared towards music really brings every art kid from every direction together, for a fun filled night. More events like these would bring the arts more light and give kids a way to express themselves even more.” Said Alyssa Thomas.

Student led performances like Battle Of The Bands don’t just benefit those on stage either. They build school morale and community, with students being able to get together and celebrate each other. This year in particular, Battle Of The Bands performers “Ordinary Hero” brought members of the crowd on stage during their set to get the crowd into it.  “The biggest thing to remember is that you are singing to them, not at them. If you sing to them and get up close with your audience, they get into it more.” said bassist Charlie Miller. This interaction, within the crowd, on stage, and in between makes students feel pride for their community. 

“Attending the battle of the bands made me feel more connected to my school because I was able to see how talented all my classmates were, and you had a chance to really find new people and connect because we were all there to listen to good music and have a fun time!” Said Junior, Sabrina Glossen. This sentiment is shared by the performers as well as the crowd. Building school togetherness is extremely important and these events improve it exponentially. 

Events like these can be expensive, and it can be argued that MCHS can’t afford to have more than one a year. However, if budgeted correctly the benefits that come from these events could exceed the cost. Holding performances like these, even semi-monthly, would not only be beneficial for the school’s environment, but for performers as well who need more recognition.

When asked if MCHS should have more student-led performances, Coco Levesque, guitarist for 2023’s BOTB winners “Robotman” said “Yes! A million times yes! I feel like the student body as a whole could benefit from it. It doesn’t even have to be music events, I feel like we need more events that cater towards different interests so people can interact with other people who like the same things as them! Like obviously we have clubs, but sometimes clubs aren’t the best option because people may feel like they need to commit to something and be there every week. With events like BOTB, it’s a one time thing, there’s nothing to commit to.” 

Battle Of The Bands, and events like it, provide a window that is uniquely for the student body, and brings them together. Holding shows like this more often can mean representation for artists in MCHS that wouldn’t get it otherwise, and moments for students to look forward to, and to bring them together.