Yamaha presents:

The first-ever Alternative Strings Battle of the Bands hosted by the Fort Hays State University Western Kansas String Academy, on Wednesday, January 21, 2009, from 12:30-2:30pm. Up to seven bands will be chosen to participate in the competition.

The day-long event takes place on the FHSU campus, and involves a judged competition among student alternative string bands, plus a workshop and concert with Barrage, and the Yamaha Experiment Room.

What's an Alternative String Band?

It's violin, viola, cello, or bass musicians playing non-classical music. You choose whatever style inspires you- rock, jazz, fiddle, hip hop, world beat, or your own creation. Add in non-string musicians if you want (a drummer, a guitar or two, some vocalists), so long as at least 50% of your band is bowed-string players. Choose your tunes, practice well, work up an act, and compete for cash prizes, and the chance to play on stage with the fiddling sensation Barrage.