Two bands from ISL Qatar battled it out on stage with four other bands from three secondary schools to kick off the first ever ‘Battle of The Bands’ in Doha. Created through the supportive collaboration of RockSchool® UK, Fifty One East and ISL Qatar, the two hour event was the culmination of a year’s work for each of the rock bands.
Participating schools included bands from ACS, Doha College, Doha British School and the International School of London Qatar. A fan base from all the participating schools came to cheer on their favourite group and created an infectious rock n’ roll atmosphere as the contestants gave it their all on stage.
The ‘Puffle’ group from Doha College narrowly edged out ISL Qatar’s much admired ‘The Inhalers’ for a deserving 1st place. Individuals from all of the remaining participating bands were singled out for awards for their musicianship. The judges included Mike Stylianou, the Head of International Examinations from RockSchool®, Henry Robertson, from the American Air Force AFCENT band, and Mike Donald from the local rock band Hot Mess. All were incredibly impressed by the amount of talent seen onstage.
Phil Wilkinson of ISL Qatar, the organiser of the event, said that the quality of the musicianship and complexity of song choice showcases the growing commitment of secondary schools to performing arts in Doha. Many such collaborations occur during the year, thanks to the Qatar Musicians and Teacher’s Guild, (QMTG), led by Anne-Marie Pigneguy of QMA, who work to build bonds between schools and music departments.
Claire Daniels, Performing Arts Director of ISL Qatar thanked RockSchool® and Fifty One East for their support, encouragement and prizes. ISL Qatar is the Doha centre for RockSchool® examinations, and prepares more than 150 students in musical training across drums, guitar, bass, piano and vocals. Rockschool examinations can carry credit towards university applications and are recognised world-wide. The examinations are open to any musician in Doha.
The International School of London Qatar has an outstanding reputation for high academic standards with the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The school is authorised to offer the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes (encompassing ages 3 to 18 years) and is accredited by the Council of International Schools, British Schools of the Middle East and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The graduating IB Diploma Programme students have an impressive record of admissions to the world’s top universities.
Visit their website for more details about ISL Qatar.