Molly Landis ’27
News Editor
Student bands, on Friday, April 12, had the opportunity to compete against each other at Battle of the Bands for the chance to open for the Spring Concert artist (whose name, at the time of writing this, is still yet to be announced). Ten student bands and student performers had 15 minutes each to play songs of their choosing. As a mix of both original songs and covers, the students displayed incredible talent and musical passion. Battle of the Bands is a treasured Holy Cross tradition. It is a time when much of the community comes together and the Holy Cross spirit is truly felt. Students all come together to hear the bands, support their friends, and have a great time as a part of the community.
Performer John Mondi ‘25 of The System, the winner of Battle of the Bands, stated, “Battle of the Bands was awesome. It’s always something that we have on our calendars all year and something that we can really look forward to as a big campus wide event where everyone you know comes to check out great music. It’s really a good time to see other musicians on campus and continue to expand the musical culture on campus. I think that’s great and especially this year all the talent.” Referencing winning the competition he said, “The competition was so fierce so I really did not expect it. When our name was called as the winners I just kind of turned to them [his bandmates] and just started going crazy. I didn’t really know what to think. At that moment all I could think was that it was a crazy feeling to be able to actually say that we won and that we would be able to play at the Spring Concert on a real stage with a professional sound and audio and lighting equipment and really get to play for a huge audience. [Winning] was really a thrill and definitely a top five moment for me at Holy Cross.”
Another popular student band, the second place winner, Missionary, performed at their last Battle of the Bands as a group. They won their sophomore year and opened the Spring Concert for Two Friends. Dan Silva ‘25 of Missionary stated “This Battle of the Bands was the greatest display of musical talent in my four years here. You could feel the passion.”
Representing all classes, students did an amazing job in performing. Emily Kelley, the treasurer of CAB and the head of the music committee stated, “Battle of the Bands absolutely blew me away. That night represents perfectly the Crusader spirit: supportive, proud, and jubilant in one another’s company.”
Kelley’s sentiments are those shared by many students. Battle of the Bands has always been a loved tradition on campus. While it was unfortunately moved inside to Croads due to the weather, it was nonetheless a great event and a great night. Student audiences and bands alike brought the energy and truly exhibited the Holy Cross spirit.
Spring on the hill is one of the best times of year. Disregarding the April snow, flowers are blooming and being planted, the sun is shining, students are sitting on the Hoval, and end of year events are in full swing. Spring on the hill means that summer is fast approaching and signals that things, like the Spring Concert, are coming up fast. Battle of the Bands was a smashing success and students look forward to seeing The System and Missionary open up for the Spring Concert artist on May 2nd.
Featured image courtesy of The Spire
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