The Boerne Senior Marching Band turns heads, winning hundreds of thousands of dollars in high-profile competition hosted by Metallica

In a resounding victory, the Boerne High School marching band recently emerged triumphant in Metallica’s nationwide “For Whom the Band Tolls” competition, securing a substantial prize of $15,000 in instruments and equipment for their program. Staff writer Annasofia Scheve reports on the band’s outstanding achievement.

Competition Overview:

With an impressive pool of over 450 high school and college marching bands entering the competition, the stakes were high. Metallica’s esteemed members personally selected Boerne High School to share the top honor for medium-sized high school bands with Malverne High School in New York. The inaugural competition, generously sponsored by Metallica, offered a diverse selection of 13 songs for marching bands to perform, vying for a portion of the substantial $180,000 in total prize money.

Boerne High School’s Winning Performance:

In their online submission, the Boerne band delivered a head-banging medley featuring five iconic Metallica songs, including classics like “Enter Sandman” and “Master of Puppets.” The band’s electrifying performance garnered praise during the two rounds of judging, which assessed aspects such as originality, musical ability, and overall stage presence.

Texas Pride and Other Finalists:

While Boerne High School claimed a share of the top spot, other Texas schools also made their mark in the competition. The University of Texas at Austin excelled in the Division 1 colleges category, Edinburg High School represented small high schools admirably, and Austin High School in Sugar Land, as well as Lorena High School, stood out among large high schools. The overall success of these Texas finalists added to the pride of heavy metal enthusiasts in the state.

The Boerne High School marching band’s triumph in Metallica’s “For Whom the Band Tolls” competition not only highlights their musical prowess but also underscores the vibrant talent present in the Texas marching band community. With a generous prize of $15,000 in instruments and equipment, the band’s success serves as a testament to their dedication and the power of music to bring communities together.