Metallica have announced the winners of their inaugural “For Whom the Band Tolls!” marching band competition.
Over 450 colleges and high schools across the US signed up for the competition after its April 10th announcement, with many rolling out Metallica suites during halftime performances.
Marching bands were invited to compete by crafting “their most exciting, unique, and impressive performances of some of the band’s most beloved songs,” and entrants were given access to official charts for “Enter Sandman,” “Fade to Black,” “Master of Puppets,” and more.
The members of Metallica have chosen the winners in each division, while two fan-voted categories have also been revealed. The winners are:
College (Division 1) – $75,000 in prizing: Auburn University
College (Divisions 2 & 3) – $40,000 in prizing: Eastern New Mexico University
High School (Large) – $15,000 in prizing: Dobyns-Bennett High School (Kingsport, TN)
High School (Medium) – $15,000 each in prizing: TIE – Boerne High School (Boerne, TX) & Malverne High School (Malverne, NY)
High School (Small) – $15,000 in prizing: Oakton High School (Vienna, VA)
Fan Favorite (College) – $10,000 in prizing: Auburn University
Fan Favorite (High School)– $10,000 in prizing: Dobyns-Bennett High School (Kingsport, TN)
The winner of each category will receive musical instruments and gear for their school’s program equivalent to the amount listed above, furnished by Metallica and sponsors including Tama, KHS America, Zildjian, D’Addario, and Gator, in partnership with Sweetwater.
Metallica, who were named Consequence’s Heavy Band of the Year for 2023, will continue their “M72 World Tour” in 2024 with new legs in Europe and North America. Tickets are available here.
Watch a few of the winning marching band competition submissions below, and the rest at this location.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated with the list of winners.