BUDD LAKE, NJ — Student musicians from Mount Olive Middle School have emerged as champions in Rutgers University’s second annual “Battle of the Bands” competition. As the winners, they will receive the prestigious opportunity to travel to Rutgers–New Brunswick, where they will perform the Scarlet Knights fight song during a Big Ten football game at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.
For the contest, middle school bands from across New Jersey were asked to submit video performances of the Rutgers University fight song, “The Bells Must Ring.” Contest officials evaluated submissions based on three main criteria: technical proficiency, the energy of performing live, and demonstrated pride in representing New Jersey’s flagship university.
The competition’s finalists included Mount Olive Middle School, along with South River Middle School, Joseph R. Bolger Middle School, and Pine Hill Middle School, all from New Jersey. After a thorough review, Mount Olive Middle School was declared the winner.
Following current COVID-19 health advisories, Mount Olive Middle School band members will visit Rutgers University in New Brunswick. During their trip, they will have the exceptional opportunity to perform the university’s fight song alongside the Rutgers marching band at a Scarlet Knights football game on a date to be announced. To make the experience even more memorable, band members and their chaperones will also receive game tickets.
“The students and the entire school community are absolutely thrilled about this opportunity,” said Melany McQueeny, chair of the music department for grades 6–12 in the Mount Olive School District. “I’m incredibly proud of the work our music students have put in since the pandemic. Their victory in the Rutgers Battle of the Bands is yet another example of Mount Olive Middle School’s hard work, resilience, and dedication.”
Courtney McAnuff, vice chancellor for enrollment management at Rutgers–New Brunswick, originally conceived the competition as a way to build connections between younger students and Rutgers early in their academic journeys. “We were excited to bring back the ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition this year,” McAnuff said. “This contest allows students to engage with Rutgers and the Big Ten conference, sparking their interest in what lies ahead for them after middle and high school.”
Rutgers University bands director Todd Nichols said he was excited to reconnect with younger musicians. Before arriving at Rutgers in 2017, Nichols spent 19 years leading high school bands, so he fully understands the heritage and historical significance of Big Ten universities and their marching bands.
“Big Ten bands and schools have such a deep history and tradition,” Nichols said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming Mount Olive to our campus and having them perform alongside our university band.”
The “Battle of the Bands” competition not only showcases the talents of middle school musicians but also helps build meaningful connections between young students and higher education institutions. Mount Olive Middle School’s victory is a direct result of their perseverance and hard work, and their upcoming performance at Rutgers is sure to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
