The Pride of Oklahoma is competing in a national marching band competition hosted by the heavy metal band Metallica to raise funds for new gear.
In April, Metallica launched its inaugural “For Whom the Band Tolls” marching band competition. Metallica has partnered with sponsors to provide winning high school and collegiate bands funds for new equipment for their music programs. As part of the competition, Metallica allowed bands to use their music for free.
Brian Britt, director of The Pride of Oklahoma, said the students have enjoyed delving into different musical genres through this competition.
The Pride performed with Metallica songs “Lux Æterna,” “Fade to Black” and “Master of Puppets” in September at the OU-Iowa State football game. Britt said the band was able to use stadium lighting and guitar effects during their program to make it stand out.
Britt said he has received positive reactions from fans over email and through social media.
“It's always nice when we can connect in that way to where our fans enjoy what our students are doing on the field because that's ultimately what we want,” Britt said.
Britt said he’s never seen this kind of competition organized by a musical group before, but he hopes it inspires others to follow suit.
“It’s cool on a number of levels; … Just the fact that one of the most well-known heavy metal bands in American rock and roll culture would be thoughtful enough to want to encourage people to check out what the nation's high school and college marching bands are doing,” Britt said. “I think it's really awesome that they're using this as an opportunity to celebrate all the great programs that we have in our country.”
Voting began Friday and will run through the rest of the year. Winners will be announced Jan. 1, 2024. Fans can vote by visiting the contest's website or by texting #UOKLAHOMA to 833-609-0330.
This story was edited by Alexia Aston. Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
