What's Happening?
Harwood's Glam Cowboys, a five-piece band from Harwood Union High School, won the Sonic Futures Battle of the Bands on Friday, October 23. This victory marks their first win after competing for three years and previously finishing as runners-up twice.
The band, consisting of Eliza Whitehair, Cora Potts, Tarin Askew, Cali Neville, and Eireann McDonough, performed an original song titled 'In My Dreams' while dressed in their signature pink cowboy hats. As the grand prize winners, the Glam Cowboys will receive a professional recording session with Vermont music producer Jer Coons at his jer&co studio in Jericho, followed by mastering by Julia Rangel at Tank Recording Studio in Burlington. Additionally, five acts from the competition, including the Glam Cowboys, are slated to perform at Higher Ground in South Burlington in May.
Why It's Important?
This win is a significant milestone for the Glam Cowboys, providing them with a crucial opportunity to record their music professionally, which is often a challenging and expensive step for emerging artists. The professional recording and mastering sessions will allow them to produce high-quality tracks, essential for gaining wider recognition and advancing their musical careers. The performance opportunity at Higher Ground, a notable venue in South Burlington, will further expose them to a larger audience and industry professionals. This event also highlights the success of the 'Sonic Futures' program, which integrates music professionals and UVM music students to offer coaching and networking opportunities, fostering the development of young musical talent in Vermont and providing a valuable platform for aspiring musicians.
What's Next?
The Glam Cowboys will proceed with their professional recording session at Jer Coons' studio in Jericho and subsequent mastering at Tank Recording Studio in Burlington. This will lead to the production of their recorded music, which they can then use for promotion and distribution. In May, the band, along with four other selected acts from the Battle of the Bands, will perform at Higher Ground in South Burlington, offering them further exposure and performance experience. The 'Sonic Futures' program, led by Harwood music teacher Brian Boyes, is expected to continue its efforts in providing mentorship and performance opportunities for young musicians, potentially expanding its reach and impact in future competitions.
Beyond the Headlines
The success of Harwood's Glam Cowboys and the 'Sonic Futures' program reflects a broader trend in music education and youth development, emphasizing practical experience and professional mentorship. By connecting high school students with experienced producers and providing access to professional recording facilities, the program bridges the gap between amateur performance and the music industry. This initiative not only cultivates musical talent but also instills valuable skills such as collaboration, creative problem-solving, and resilience, as evidenced by the Glam Cowboys' persistence over three years. Such programs are vital for nurturing the next generation of artists and contributing to the cultural vibrancy of local communities, offering pathways for artistic expression and career development that extend beyond traditional academic settings.
