Bach to Rock Crowns 2025 National “Battle of the Bands” Champions

Student Musicians from Across the Country Rock the Stage in Three Age Divisions.

Bach to Rock, America’s music school for students of all ages, proudly announces the winners of its Fifth Annual National Battle of the Bands competition. The nationwide competition brought together 64 bands from across the country, each earning their spot through local and regional contests.  Divided into elementary, middle, and high school categories, the bands showcased an impressive range of styles—from country and pop-rock to hip-hop and classic rock.  A distinguished panel of music industry professionals selected one winner and two runners-up per category. Additionally, over 10,000 online supporters voted for their fan favorites in each category prior to the August event. The list of national winners is below, and the performances can be viewed on bachtorock.com/live.

Elementary School Division

• Winner: The Downtown Odin Blues – Bach to Rock, Plymouth, MN
• Runner up: TVRS – Bach to Rock, Apex, NC
• Runner up: Velvet Vibes – Bach to Rock, Lake Mary, FL
• Fan favorite: Heads of Stone – Bach to Rock, Carmel, IN

Middle School Division

• Winner: Black Tie – Bach to Rock, Franklin, TN
• Runner up (tie): Riot – Bach to Rock, Naperville, IL & Origin of Obsidian – Bach to Rock, Nanuet, NY
• Runner up: Mortal Wombats – Bach to Rock, Fishers, IN
• Fan favorite: Mortal Wombats – Bach to Rock, Fishers, IN

High School Division

• Winner: Used Car Battery – Bach to Rock, Port Washington, NY
• Runner Up: Fear the Hammer – Bach to Rock, Lutz, FL
• Runner up (tie): Uranium Cranium – Bach to Rock, Nanuet, NY & Fieed Bgck – Bach to Rock, Cedar Park, TX
• Fan favorite: Petrichor – Bach to Rock, East Marietta, GA

“The Battle of the Bands is one of our premiere events, and we love it because it brings together the best of the best of our student bands from across the country, and it enables them to showcase their incredible talent, energy and passion for music,” said Brian Gross, President of Bach to Rock. “At Bach to Rock, we prepare students to step into the spotlight with confidence. By teaching teamwork and stage presence, we help them bring their best to the Battle of the Bands. It’s not just about mastering an instrument or singing – it’s about performing with heart and conviction.”

Bach to Rock thanks its all-star panel of judges for bringing their expertise and enthusiasm to the 2025 Battle of the Bands, helping crown our winners and fuel the dreams of future pro musicians.

• Elementary school judges: Ben Badger, Dan English, Janelle Schultz
• Middle school judges: Toni Stefano, Rhett Repko, Ben Badger
• High school judges: Chris Furst, Trey Odum, Mark Fischer

The Battle of the Bands competition is a core component of Bach to Rock’s progressive music curriculum.  Bach to Rock’s modern approach couples individual music instruction with band instruction. This dynamic philosophy leads to regularly scheduled public performances, local Battle of the Bands competitions and recording sessions in Bach to Rock’s professional sound studios.