By Chris Campanelli, John Ruffino (March 14, 2003)

Five bands will face off in the first annual "Battle of the Bands" tonight at 7:30 in the George Mason auditorium Admission is $3 for students, $5 for adults. The bands consist mainly of George Mason High School students from various grades. All bands will be performing a mix of original songs as well as cover songs.

The structure of the competition is based around three rounds. The first round will involve each band playing one song. The judges will decide which bands will advance after this round, leaving only three bands for the second round. The three advancing to round two will be sliced down to only two bands who will duke it out in the final round. The judging will be based largely on crowd reaction.

Bands that will be performing include: Southern Comfort with three seniors: Chris Campanelli(guitar, vocals), William Henneberg (percussion), and John Ruffino (bass). 

Darkhorse: James Thomas (guitar), Brandon Bailey (guitar/vocals), and Martti Paljarvi (percussion).

Blazing Pandas: Andrew Campanelli (percussion), Zack Barret (guitar/vocals), Tyson Barret (guitar), Jacob Patopchuk (guitar), and Andrew Phelps (bass).

Greenwich Street: Graeton Tripp (guitar/vocals), Grant Sabatier (guitar/vocals)

The Knobby Painters ISD: Sam Aydalette, Kellow Meador, Andrew Goetting, Garreth Highnon, Gavin Keens and Billy Gallagher.

This will be one of the largest gatherings of George Mason bands in many years, and the first true competitive atmosphere for band performances. Many of these bands have performed before at George Mason, and around Falls Church, but is the first time they have all performed together.