ST. PAUL, MN, May 13, 2008 – McNally Smith College of Music recently mastered a compilation CD of bands who participated in the second annual High School Rocks Battle of the Bands contest as part of its sponsorship and support for the rock stars of tomorrow. A crew of McNally Smith’s instructors teamed with five of their students to record the entire concert using Digidesign Pro Tools for the CD, which features one song performed by each band.
During the event, the students received a rare opportunity to work alongside Eddie Mapp, FOH engineer for the popular rock group Evanescence. In addition to its contribution of recording the music during the show and working on the CD, McNally Smith’s Grammy award-winning Executive Director of the McNally Smith Foundation, Andre Fischer, joined Grammy award-winning Record Producer/Engineer Ed Cherney as Battle of the Band judges.
“Participating as a sponsor of this worthwhile talent competition was a win-win for everyone,� says McNally Smith’s Technology Chair Bryan Forrester. “While the event benefitted from having the compilation CD completed within our state-of-the-art recording studios, our students gained practical experience in utilizing their skills in mixing and mastering, and received a chance to work with leading engineer Eddie Mapp.�
Forrester adds, “As an educational institution whose mission is to foster music enrichment and help guide today’s youth towards their musical paths, this event enabled us to uphold this objective, giving us the chance to support the talented musicians who are living in our own backyard.�
The concert showcased 15 bands from nearly 70 high schools in the northern Minnesota and Wisconsin area who vied for a chance to have their original CD recorded in a professional studio, which was awarded to the winning group, The Bricks.
Organized by Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest, the event drew an audience of more than 2,200 people. Tim Wigchers, senior district manager for Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest, says, “We appreciate McNally Smith’s participation in this year’s High School Rocks Battle of the Bands contest.� “Its partnership and sponsorship lends great credibility and has taken this event to a higher level.�
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. JA offers programs that focus on three key content areas; entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy.
Founded in 1985, McNally Smith College of Music is devoted to excellence in music industry higher education and in developing music industry professionals. An accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music, McNally Smith College of Music offers music degrees and programs in Recording Technology, Music Business, Music Performance and Composition. McNally Smith College of Music students get a personalized music education that combines cutting edge technology with musical artistry and includes wide access to research tools, real world knowledge and great performance facilities. McNally Smith alumni are working all over the world. www.mcnallysmith.edu.
