KINGSPORT, TENN. – The Dobyns-Bennett High School Band's football halftime show entitled "The Music of Metallica" has been announced as one of the winners of the inaugural Metallica Marching Band Competition. Dobyns-Bennett's Band was named winner of the "Large High School Division" in the competition and "Fan Favorite" totaling $25,000.

 

The world-famous rock band Metallica hosted a national contest called "For Whom the Band Tolls" where over 450 bands from across the country competed. Five finalists from the categories of high school, small college, and large college were selected. Metallica then chose the single winner from each category. The band selected won $15,000 and voting also occurred for a "Fan Favorite" which won an additional $10,000. 

 

"We are so excited that our students' talent and dedication has been highlighted on the national stage," said Dobyns-Bennett High School Band Director, Lafe Cook. "We appreciate Metallica putting this together and are especially thankful for all of those people that voted for us!"

Upon notice of the inaugural competition in the summer of 2023, Cook stated band leaders selected Metallica hits including "Master of Puppets" and "Enter Sandman" and assistant director Ryan Gilbert created custom arrangements. The band filmed a special performance in September to submit to the competition which showcased the Metallica program performed at football games during the 2023 season. The video was submitted for entry in November 2023.

 

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with a total enrollment of over 7,900 students. 

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