Community Corner
RVC Youth Council Hosts Battle of the Bands
More than 70 teens participate in a night of music, friends and fun.
As a kick-off to a fall season filled with social events and charitable endeavors, the Rockville Centre Youth Council hosted a Battle of the Bands at the on Sept. 24. More than 70 teens attended the free event, which featured the bands Stoic, the DA FU’s and The Empty Sky Band.
“Everyone had a great time,” said Michaela Beck, the chair of events for the Youth Council. “Whether they were watching the bands perform, eating the various desserts we had, or just hanging out with friends in the lobby area, everyone seemed to enjoy the event.”
The idea for the Battle of the Bands came about at a summer retreat with members of the Youth Council Leadership. “Many of us agreed that this would be a great event for us to host because oftentimes you will see groups of teens walking around the town drinking or engaging in dangerous activities due to the number one complaint that there's nothing else to do,” explained Beck.
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“Having socials like this helps give the teens some structure and something to do with their free time, other than hanging out on the streets,” said Beth Hammerman, chairman of the RVC Youth Council. “It also gives them a sense of responsibility.”
Hammerman explained that the students were responsible for every aspect of planning the Battle of the Bands, including finding the bands, scheduling the date, and promoting the event through word of mouth and social media. Several of the teens even garnered food donations from local businesses such as Front Street Bakery and Bialystock & Bloom
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Following the success of Saturday’s event, Mike Caffrey, the adult vice chairman of the Youth Council, said the group would like to have more band nights in the future. “The event provided local musicians with a venue to play at without having to guarantee cash paying audience members, so it’s a win-win situation,” he said. “It gives musicians a place to play and provides entertainment to teens at no cost.”
Following the success of the Battle of the Bands, members of the RVC Youth Council will participate in the Substance Use Walk at Dean Skelos Field on Oct. 2. For more information on upcoming Youth Council events, log on to rvcyouthcouncil.org or email info@rvcyouthcouncil.org.
