Bach to Rock Slams a Chord During B2R Battle of The Bands IX

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bach to Rock (B2R), America's music school for students of all ages, announced today that the B2R Battle of the Bands IX is heading back to the 9:30 Club, Washington, DC's premiere live music venue, January 7-8 & 21, 2012 for a jam band showdown. Hundreds of local students will showcase their incredible talent, performing a mix of original music and popular hits, for a chance to win professional studio recording time.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111213/CL22384LOGO )

"Every year, Bach to Rock's Battle of the Bands gains popularity and we couldn't be more thankful for the widespread support from parents who understand the great value in teaching kids how to play the music they love and listen to most," said Brian Gross, president of Bach to Rock. "Our students are ready to showcase their skills in a real music venue and we can't wait to cheer them on."

A semi-annual tradition for the students enrolled in B2R's Jam Band program, the 2012 Battle of the Bands will be spread out over three days with three separate divisions - high school students perform on Saturday, January 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., middle school students perform Sunday, January 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and elementary school students perform on Saturday, January 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In total, there will be more than 85 bands competing, and thousands of friends, family members and excited fans in the audience cheering them on. Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the 9:30 Club on the day of the event.

Battling bands are evaluated based on musicianship, ensemble precision and stage presence. Winning groups from each division are determined from a panel of judges that includes musicians, educators and music writers. For each state, there will be one winner and two runner-ups in each of the three divisions. Winners receive a gold, silver or bronze-record plaque, chance to work with a professional audio engineer to record original material in B2R's state-of-the-art recording studios, gift certificates for merchandise at Music and Arts and a case of Vitamin Water. The winners' performances will also be posted on the B2Rmusic.com website, as well as B2R's Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.

B2R opened its first location in Bethesda, Maryland in 2007 and has since grown to six schools, two in Maryland and four in Virginia. Co-founded by a Julliard-trained middle school teacher, Bach to Rock transformed music instruction into a team sport by coupling rigorous individual instruction with "jam sessions" that keep students motivated by playing in a group.  Its unique method is based on the knowledge that students learn best when they join together to play the music they like the most. 

For more information on Battle of the Bands IX visit www.b2rmusic.com. 

About Bach to Rock

Bach to Rock is a music education school for students of all ages from early childhood through high school and beyond. The B2R method is based on the belief that learning music is fun and students learn best when they play music they enjoy. Weekly ensemble instruction and jam sessions lead to public concerts, Battle of the Bands and recording sessions in B2R's professional recording studios. B2R builds technique, fosters teamwork and enhances self-esteem through private lessons, band instruction, and public performance. B2R schools are expanding nationwide via franchised locations and are currently located in Maryland in Bethesda and Gaithersburg, and in Virginia in McLean, Herndon, South Riding and Landsdowne. For more information, visit www.b2rmusic.com.

About Cambridge Information Group (CIG)

CIG, the investment firm that owns Bach to Rock, is primarily focused on education, research and information services companies. Founded in 1971, CIG continues under the same family stewardship today, with a focus on building companies for long-term success. Headquartered in New York, NY and Bethesda, Maryland, CIG's operating companies employ more than 2,100 people in offices around the world. For more information, visit www.cigcompanies.com.

CONTACT: Amanda Rich
Fish Consulting
954-893-9150
[email protected]

SOURCE Bach to Rock