Battle of the Bands 2026

Battle of the Bands 2026

Watch the Battle of the Bands at the 2026 Music Marathon!

Showtime: 7:30pm
Friday, February 27, 2026
Santa Teresa High School Theater

STHS’s Battle of the Bands is back! Come cheer on your favorite garage bands 7:30-10pm on Friday, February 27, 2026, in the theater at Santa Teresa High School.

Student bands Axillary, Crimson Horizon, Mallet, Quinoa Backwards, Siffter, and The Cozmixs will compete for CA$H PRIZES! First place will receive $600 and second place will receive $200.

The event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC during Music Marathon, Santa Teresa’s music festival fundraiser that starts at 3pm. Donations are welcome. See you there!

To Sign Up for Next Year:

Do you have a band? Are you starting a band? Sign up your band today! The contest is open to music groups consisting of at least one currently enrolled Santa Teresa High School student. All genres are welcome. The deadline to sign up this year was January 16, 2026. If your band is interested in performing in the next Battle of the Bands contact us at talent@santateresamusic.com.

Official Regulations

  • All members must read and agree to this list of official regulations.
  • All bands must contain a minimum of two members.
  • At least one member must be a currently enrolled Santa Teresa High School student.
  • Band name and lyrics of performance songs must not contain any obscenities. Judges can and will deduct points for any use of obscenities.
  • All bands agree to have their name, voice, and/or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this content without compensation or rights to royalties for such use.
  • All band members are required to be present 30 minutes prior to performance time to check in with the coordinator. If all band members are not present and ready to set up for performance 20 minutes before going on stage, the band may be disqualified.

Equipment & Stage Rules

  • A PA system and four microphones will be provided. We will have a drum kit available. We highly recommend that you use this drum kit for faster transitions between acts. Bands must provide all their other own equipment such as guitars, amps, etc.
  • Band members are responsible for the security of their own equipment. The Santa Teresa High School band program, teachers, and volunteers of the Music Marathon will not be held responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen equipment.
  • Each band will be given the opportunity to play 2 to 3 songs and the winners may be asked to play an additional encore presentation.
  • Both original and cover songs will be allowed.
  • There will be a strict time limit for each band on stage (to be announced when sign-ups are complete) so you will be asked to plan your songs accordingly.

Prizes

  • We will have cash prizes. First place will receive $600. Second place will receive $200.

Judging System

  • Expert judges (professional musicians/instructors) independent of the school community will determine the winners through a secret ballot. In their evaluation, judges will consider musicianship, performance, crowd engagement, and originality.

Watch highlights from the 2025 Battle of the Bands:

Watch highlights from the 2017 Battle of the Bands show: