Battle of the Bands 2025-2026: A Student's Perspective

The Battle of the Bands 2025-2026 at Dover Court was a powerful showcase of student creativity, leadership and collaboration, with 17 bands taking to the stage and a packed audience supporting live music and performance. Many parents and staff agreed – this was the best Battle of the Bands yet.

From Green Day and Britney Spears to Dire Straits, Jamiroquai and Elton John, the set list was a vibrant mix of pop, rock, and funk. Congratulations to all 17 bands who performed, with a special mention to our first three:

1. Jamiro5
2. The Renegades
3. Six

“A huge well done to every student in the 17 bands who performed, the backstage student crew and our wonderful Music Team who curated this event. The enthusiasm for this annual event keeps growing, and we even had students in the practice rooms this week, inspired and getting ready for next year already.” – Carla Hyland, Deputy Head of Secondary

Round 2 at Timbre+ One North

Next up is Battle of the Bands Round 2 at Timbre+ One North. Join us on Saturday, 10th January, to enjoy the top 10 bands performing at our external community event. It starts at 4.00pm and is open to all. Bring your friends and family; your support makes it even more special for our students.

A review of Battle of the Bands from one of our talented musician students Se‑Ah in Year 11:

“Battle of the Bands 2025 was electrifying, with 17 talented bands performing in ‘Alice’ Cooper Hall, all fighting for a place in Timbre +.

10 bands played in the first half of the event, including Kabubu, The Renegades, and The Blueberry Jam from Years 10, 9, 8, and 7. During the interval, everyone got a chance to talk with their family and their friends, all impressed by the bands from the first half, while excited for the second half of the event.

The second half of the Battle of the Bands didn’t disappoint the audience. Being more exciting and thrilling, 7 bands ruled the stage. Impressive performance by Six, who performed musical theatre and Jamiro5, who performed retro 90s funk music with an impressive saxophone solo, ending the event with lingering excitement. Even the merch was sold out before the show started. Record time in Battle of the Bands history.

While judges deliberated the winners, the audience was treated to the debut music viewing of Hairy Mangos hit ‘On the Run’, a song that featured in last year’s Battle of the Bands. On the Run was a stunning music video which kept the event tension high. The judges were stuck in a “rut”, suffering from stress as they couldn’t come up with a decision.

The 10 bands who got to Timbre+ for January 2026 are Discordia, Performative, The Renegades, Subjective Quality, Funktional, Six, The Sparkles, Downtown Scene, Performative and Jamiro5. In third place, an amazing and unique performance, Six. In second place, electrifying performance, The Renegades. And finally, in first place, inspiring performance, Jamiro5.

All the bands that performed in the Battle of the Bands were true winners. Special thanks to MCs Stella and George, who have guided us through the event.”

Se‑Ah, Year 11

Dover Court International School