The classical guitar program hosted its annual Battle of the Bands in the Fine Arts Building Theater on Thursday, Jan. 18. The event is the program’s largest fundraiser, with ticket sales supporting future guitar purchases, visiting masterclass musicians and scholarships for performances. The bands competed for the title of “best band,” with the audience voting on their favorite band. The top two winners earned the chance to play at Hole in the Wall this Sunday. This year’s winners were Red River Trucking Co., who came in first, followed by Henry Jewesson’s solo act.

Battle of the Bands was Jewesson’s first time performing but certainly not his last. 

“This performance was my debut,” Jewesson said, “and it was the first time I’ve ever really shared this music with people in such an obvious, clear way.” 

Unlike every other act, Jewesson produced his music digitally, putting together tracks he produced over the past year to create music that he thought the crowd would enjoy. 

“It was definitely a unique experience,” Jewesson said. “I knew that it’d be different from what everybody else was doing, and I was really excited. It was a lot of preparation for sure.”

It was Jewesson’s music that made students jump out of their seats and dance for the first time that night.

“The audience was great,” Jewesson said. “I sort of expected people to stay in their seats, but my friends rushed to the stage, which was great. I could not have asked for a better turnout.”

Although he was unsure if the crowd would like his music, Jewesson was glad he signed up to perform got out of his comfort zone, and is excited for his next performance at Hole in the Wall. 

“I’m really glad I took this opportunity and that McCallum offers it,” Jewesson said. “I’m excited for the show at Hole in the Wall with Red River Trucking Co.”

Senior JJ Williams, who was one of the audience members who rushed the stage to show support for his friends, really enjoyed Battle of the Bands. 

“My friend Henry was super nervous before his performance because he had never performed before so we rushed the stage to support him,” Williams said. 

Williams was glad he was able to support his friends and thought that the crowd was much more energetic than in past years. 

Seniors Joaquín Frazier, Cash White and King Perez-Cude are the members of the winning band Red River Trucking Co. The band members have been playing together since October 2021, and have gained a lot of experience on the road since.

“We played several times in Austin and then over the summer we did a small regional tour through Oklahoma and Louisiana,” Perez-Cude said. “We’ve played at film festivals, house parties, and kind of anywhere that will let us play.”

Red River Trucking Co. prepared its setlist the Sunday night before Battle of the Bands. 

“I feel like, at least in my band, we’ve all been like leveling up as musicians and so we usually prepare only a few days before so we can make changes on the fly,” Perez-Cude said. “Before the show, I was nervous but when I got on stage I remembered that I was playing music with my friends and I realized none of that mattered.”

According to Perez-Cude, Battle of the Bands is a way for students to express themselves and show people their music. 

“The crowd was very energetic, and I wasn’t exactly expecting that,” Perez-Cude said. “It’s very nice to see people enjoying our music,” said Perez-Cude. 

Perez-Cude said he was really happy with the turnout, and the crowd loved the music. 

“I felt like everyone was really hyped in a way that’s different than before,” Perez-Cude said. “The bands this year were really good, and it was definitely a fair fight.”