Metallica has officially announced the high school winners of its second annual For Whom The Band Tolls! Marching Band Competition. This year’s event, presented in partnership with Sweetwater, expanded its categories to include first, second, and third-place awards across three high school divisions—large, medium, and small.
High School Division Winners:
Large High School:
First Place: Sonia Sotomayor High School – San Antonio, TX
Second Place: Seven Lakes High School – Katy, TX
Third Place: Richland High School – North Richland Hills, TX
Medium High School:
First Place: Freehold Township High School – Freehold, NJ
Second Place: Dublin Scioto High School – Dublin, OH (also voted Fan-Favorite! 🎉)
Third Place: Pocono Mountain East High School – Swiftwater, PA
Small High School:
First Place: South Range High School – Canfield, OH
Second Place: The Baptist Preparatory School – Little Rock, AR
Third Place: Manalapan High School – Manalapan, NJ
$115,000 in Prizes & A New Collegiate Twist
Thanks to sponsors TAMA, Sweetwater, Hal Leonard, KHS America, Tromana, Ernie Ball, Music For All, and Bands Of America, the winning schools will share $115,000 in new music equipment.
Meanwhile, Metallica teased an exciting new development for the collegiate division, extending their competition through November 2025. While details remain under wraps, the band hints that a new partner has stepped in with a unique opportunity for college marching bands.
Metallica’s Continued Support for Music Education
All competing schools received free access to 13 Metallica songs arranged for marching bands, reinforcing the band’s dedication to music education. From stadiums to school fields, Metallica’s influence continues to bridge the gap between heavy metal and the marching band world.
What’s Next?
With the collegiate competition now running until 2025, fans can expect even bigger announcements in the coming months. Stay tuned!
