SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Metallica has challenged high schools and colleges across the country to come up with the most "exciting, unique and impressive" performances using their music.
The inaugural "For Whom the Band Tolls" marching band competition is in full swing and winning schools will receive new instruments donated by Metallica and their sponsors.
One Scottsdale high school has made it to the top five. Desert Mountain High School is in the finals in the competition. They have a chance to win $15,000 worth of musical instruments for their program.
The high school's entry was a half-time performance with a mashup of Metallica favorites. They started with "For Whom the Bell Tolls," then went into "Enter Sandman," "Wherever I May Roam," and "One." The band ended the performance with "Master of Puppets."
The DMHS band is under the "medium high school" category in the competition. The finalists were selected by professional judges but Metallica will vote on the contest winners, which will be announced the week of Jan. 1, 2024.
There is also a "fan favorite" category. That winner will receive $10,000 worth of musical instruments for their school. To vote for DMHS, find their icon on this webpage or text #HSDESERTMTN to (833) 609-0330.
There are two other Arizona high schools that are still in the running for the fan-favorite competition. You can text the hashtags to the above number to vote for your favorite:
- Canyon del Oro High School in Oro Valley: #HSCANYONORO
- Casteel High School in Queen Creek: #HSCASTEEL
Up to speed
What is the Valley?
“The Valley” is what locals call the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. It is considered the largest metropolitan area in the Southwest.
The Valley is made up of various major cities other than Phoenix, including:
Mesa
Chandler
Scottsdale
Tempe
Glendale
Surprise
Peoria
Gilbert
El Mirage
Avondale
Litchfield Park
Goodyear
Buckeye
Whether a city is in the “East Valley” or “West Valley” depends on where it is in relation to Phoenix.
The cities of the Valley have a combined population of 4,845,832 people, according to the 2020 United States Census. This makes it the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country right behind the Boston and Atlanta areas.
