Media Advisory: ‘BAND Against Bullying’ school competition returns to UB

BUFFALO, N.Y. – “BAND Against Bullying,” the annual competition to raise bullying awareness, will take place 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at the University at Buffalo’s Center for the Arts on the North Campus.

What: BAND Against Bullying is an inter-school music and arts competition related to the theme of “dignity.” Fast becoming a spring tradition for area schools, the competition features the finalists in school competitions of the best demonstrations in visual and live arts.

Why: All arts exhibits and performances will promote the theme of dignity and respect for all students as well as raise community awareness of bullying-related issues and rally support for anti-bullying educational efforts.

“BAND Against Bullying is one of the highlights of my year,” says Amanda B. Nickerson, director of UB’s Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention. “The student performances reflect thought, talent and incredible inspiration for a kinder world in which all people are treated with dignity and respect.”

A Word from Our Sponsors: The annual event is sponsored and organized by UB’s Alberti Center for Bullying Prevention, M&T Bank and KISS 98.5.

Who: Eight local high schools and one middle school will send representatives to perform musical, artistic or dramatic works produced by the students.

Who II: The event has always featured local celebrity judges. This year’s panel of judges includes two former locals: Nashville country singer Eric Van Houten and Los Angeles songwriter Grant Michaels. Also on the judges panel are Robert Rich III, president of ROAR Logistics Inc.; Sabres alumnus and radio talk-show host Andrew Peters; Ed Suk, executive director of National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC); and Amanda Nickerson, director of UB's Alberti Center for Bullying Prevention. Nicholas Picholas from Kiss 98.5 will emcee the event.

This Year’s Special Guest: Jean M. Alberti, namesake whose original donation started the Alberti Center, is expected to attend the competition.

Admission: Tickets are $5, and are available via ticketfly (877-987-6487) or at the door. Media are invited to film the competing acts as well as interview students and organizers.