Battle of the Bands in Salinas coming up

Would your band like the opportunity to perform for a live audience, earn bragging rights and show off in a head to head competition?

Local bands are being sought for a Battle of the Bands event. Participants must be 21 years of age or younger and have content appropriate for middle and high school students.

Audition DVD/ CD and printed written lyrics must be submitted to the Library and Community Services Department, 200 Lincoln Avenue, C/O Youth Commission, no later than Monday March 18, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.

For more information call: 758-7476

The Battle of the Bands will take place April 26.

North County's DL Johnson: California's top band director

North Monterey County High band director DL Johnson was named California's "Director who made a difference" in 2012 by the School Band and Orchestra magazine.

The magazine named one music teacher or band director for each state.

"In the midst of monumental national and local economic challenges and dour budget forecasts, music educators continue to excel in classrooms across the country," the report says. "Take heart in this report, which sheds light on exemplary teachers who run thriving, and vibrant programs in schools big and small, elementary through high school, from coast to coast."

Johnson is known for taking his students to perform in China every few years. The band is getting ready to leave pretty soon.

Congratulations, Mr. Johnson, for a well earned recognition!