International School of London, Qatar (ISL Qatar) recently hosted – for three consecutive years now – the Inter-school Battle of the Bands 2019, to actively promote the development of music bands among young people in Doha. The event was sponsored by Music Square, Rockschool UK, and ISL Qatar. 

Music Square provided the instruments and the cash prize of QAR4,000 for the winning band (to be spent for purchasing band equipment), as well as one of the judges, Vasileios Gkouzounas, the resident guitar expert of 51 East. Rockschool UK flew over Stuart Ellerton, a Rockschool Examiner, to judge and give away study materials for prizes. ISL Qatar, meanwhile, has been providing the venue, stage, sound and light equipments each year to support the event.

The atmosphere was electric during the competition as 10 bands from seven schools across Doha battle it out for the coveted top prize.

First prize went to Steemgate from GEMS American Academy, their second win in two years, with their rendition of ‘Subdivisions’ by Rush and ‘I’m So Afraid’ by Fleetwood Mac. The Most Promising Band award went to Undivided from ISL Qatar for their versions of ‘Tell Me You Love Me’ by Demi Lovato and ‘Feel It Still’ by Portugal The Man.

Puffle from Doha College and The Underwater Acoustics from ACS have also been invited to perform at the Winners Performance at 51 East, Lagoona Mall.

ISL Qatar Battle of the Bands 5

ISL Qatar hosts the Rockschool UK Examinations in Contemporary Music, holding examinations for Doha-based students in Vocals, Guitar, Drums, Bass and Ukulele. Any schools or music education organisations who would like to join the event next year or find out about Rockschool examinations can contact Claire Daniels at [email protected].

Rockschool Vocals Competition

Rockschool Vocals Competition will take place in May/June, open to students 11 to 18 years old. Three classes – for beginner, intermediate and advanced students – will be offered. The competition is designed to encourage young students interested in contemporary music, to show them that they need to take their music skills seriously. A variety of repertoire will be on offer for students to choose from and the assessment criteria will be pre-published. 

For updates and more information, visit the ISL Qatar website at islqatar.org.