Before breaking into their third song, the musicians tore off their outer clothes to reveal tight muscle shirts and bright nylon pants. Hysterical screams from the audience followed them off the stage.
Drummer Nick Bessman, 17, said the band didn't get serious about the competition until it placed third last year. The musicians prepared this year in earnest, rehearsing every other day. The win over 10 other bands was worth it.
"It felt really, really good," Nick said.
Because the music department at Severna Park High School did not have time to select a band, the drama department held a mini-competition for the past two years to pick one to represent the school, said Angela Germanos, the drama department head. Last year's third-place win brought in more than $800, which Germanos used to defray the cost of hotel and bus fare for the annual trip to Broadway. This year, the money will pay for the students to see Young Frankenstein and another production, she said.
The other prizes have also gotten better. For the past few years, BMI has awarded a scholarship to the best songwriter for the three-day summer songwriting workshop at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Almgren said she tries to make the competition more professional each year, featuring workshops on production, songwriting and the music business.
"It's not about one event, it's about creating a music scene," said Almgren, who would like to start a statewide competition with each county sending a band.
The Battle of the Bands forces bands to improve their skills, said Danny Mays, a former contestant and bass player for Beretta Jane. He also emceed the event.
"At a time when the good venues are few and far between, this inspires kids to work harder," Mays said.
North County was the only school to send two bands, in response to a request to help fill out the show. Kill the Mourning won the second slot.
"That is one of the best things to happen to us," said Allen Shaner, the 15-year-old lead vocalist. "People don't know what we sound like. We want them to hear us."
For bands with an expiration date at graduation, the experience is unforgettable.
"If nothing else, it gives them the chance to feel like rock stars for one night," Mays said.
