Oak Park High to host Battle of the Bands
More groups are needed for competition
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

MAKING MUSIC- The Oak Park High School choir, one of the "battling bands," relaxes following a performance at the Thousand Oask Civic Center under the direction of Heidi Cissell.

Bands are needed for the Oak Park High School choir's annual Battle of the Bands, to be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Fri., March 2.

Pitch, tightness, balance, lead vocals, background vocals/harmony, musicianship, originality and stage presence are among the skills judges will consider. Brandon Heinzelmann and John Vanselow of Instrumental Music in Thousand Oaks will serve as judges.

First, second and third place gift certificates will be given. Last year's prizes ranged from $150 to $75 in value. In addition, the first place band will perform for 30 minutes at the end of the competition.

"Money raised is used to help pay for musicians to accompany the choir during performances, buy sheet music and help toward fees when the choir competes or performs outside of the school setting," said Anna Kaplan, choir liaison to the Oak Park Performing Arts Alliance, which provides support to the high school's choir and band program.

Last year's first place band was Advanced Placement.

This year the choir will sing in the Los Angeles Master Chorale Festival at Walt Disney Concert Hall, at Disneyland and at the SCVA Festival Competition at Cal Lutheran University.

"Battle of the Bands is a lot of fun for the bands that compete and for the audience," Kaplan said. "Everyone had a great time at last year's event."

There's space for five bands, with applications accepted on a first come, first served basis.

The forms are available at the school, 899 Kanan Road, or at www.ophs.opusd.k12.ca.us/ teachers/Cissell.