Local students rock out in Boardman

By SHAIYLA HAKEEM

shakeem@vindy.com

Roaring guitars, blaring drums and an ecstatic crowd clustered around the foot of the stage briefly describes atmosphere for Boardman’s Battle of the Bands.

Local rock bands took centerstage at Boardman High School’s Performing Arts Center on Jan. 16 to battle it out for studio recording time and cash prizes.

Bands were comprised of students from Boardman, Springfield, Lakeview, Lowellville, Southington, Labrae, Salem, Champion, Hubbard, Poland and YSU.

This is the Boardman High School’s Parent Teacher Student Association’s third year hosting this punk rock competition.

Springing from an idea of then Boardman senior Anthony Jandrokovic, the PTSA held their first band battle in October 2007.

The competition raises money for the PTSA’s general fund. This fund is later used for scholarships and for additional funds for end-of-the-year honorary breakfasts for academic and extra curricular achievement.

Joyce Reid, Boardman PTSA president, says that though the event raises money for the PTSA fund, it gives students a unique opportunity.

“The kids have a chance to show their musical abilities on a stage with lights, professional sound equipment and a large crowd,” Reid said.

Ted Mannion, of Boardman, says that he loves to watch the students perform. This isn’t the first time he has attended and probably won’t be the last.

“I think it’s pretty awesome. The bands are a lot better this year,” Mannion said. Bands were graded by four judges, all of whome make a living from some aspect of music. Each band could receive a total of 60 points and were judged on musical ability and showmanship.

Third place went to the student band Burkley. Their members were Frank Toncar, Zach Nussle, Jake Umbrazun and Brent Prox, who are all students from Lakeview.

Second place was given to Genghis Khan consisting of Mike Reardon, Nate Gelfand and Mike Landgraff, all Boardman students.

First place was awarded to Boardman band Sinful Faith. The members include Dylan Reid, Nick Deemer and Aaron Mannion. All three bands will play at Jillians on Feb. 12.