SOME of the top school bands in the county gathered at Dyson Perrins CE High School last week, dispelling any myths that school music is only orchestras and choirs.

Eight groups from six schools and a youth centre gathered on Friday, June 28, to contest the Worcestershire Battle of the Bands, organised by John Cleary, head of music at Dysons.

Musicians, including bands from Dysons and Malvern Youth Centre, each played 15-minute sets to over 200 students in the main school hall on Yates Hay Road. A large number of the audience had been bussed in from the other schools to lend vocal support.

The bands, which ranged in style from ska to alternative rock, were all hoping to impress the judging panel of Keith Baker, drummer with Manfredd Mann, Paul Farrer, composer of the theme to The Weakest Link and a former Dysons pupil, and Paul White, editor of Sound on Sound magazine.

After a full day of music, the eventual winners were Backwash from Bishop Perowne school. They were awarded a day in a music studio with producer Vo Fletcher, as well as the chance to appear in the Voices and Visions Music Showcase at Malvern Theatres tonight (Friday).

Mr Cleary, who organised the event on behalf of Worcestershire Arts Education, said it had taken almost 12 months to put together and had gone very well.

He added:"There were only four marks separating the top three bands out of a 160."