Battle of the Bands celebrates and brings to light the hidden talent within Swarthmore’s student body. The contest features a range of bands competing for a coveted spot at the annual Worthstock Festival at the end of the semester. Curious to know more about the students behind the instruments? Read on to hear their stories!
In interviews with band members, I discovered many overlapping traits. Multiple bands formed within the past year, are full of first-year students, and all came together for the first time for this event. Additionally, in true Swat fashion, the bands have found it difficult to schedule rehearsal time. But, with no exception, every single member of the band deeply values its importance – especially to connect the community through music. “Because of the academic workload, it can be easy to kind of get stuck in that,” Seymour Bassist and Guitarist, Zephyr Weinreich ’28, commented. “[So] making this almost a ritual, sort of coming and doing it and just playing has been very good mental health wise.”
The formation of each band differs, ranging from classroom connections to performance ensembles, and friend groups. Sinowave, a Mandopop band, was created by Chinese first-years to bring the feeling of home to school. Leaders of the New School, a Hip Hop and Rap band, formed as a collaboration from a separate project. G7, a Jazz band, originated from the members of the Swarthmore Jazz Ensemble. “I feel like jazz is all about improvisation, soloing, and playing your own music,” G7 Saxophonist Calvin He ’27 noted. “In the jazz band, you’re just doing ensemble pieces and part of a big band. [When] you’re mostly reading music, not everyone gets the chance or the space to improvise, [so] I wanted to just do my own thing and do, like smaller group stuff.”
Beyond just rehearsing for a performance, their time together fosters community. Seymour Drummer Elliott Sepulveda ’28 stated, “I’ve played with the same people for a long time and didn’t think I was gonna be able to find chemistry like that, but I feel that’s something I’ve found. [It’s] a skill I’ve developed, you know, connecting with other people.” Vocalist Henry Cohen ’28 added, “Playing with people who’ve had different kinds of upbringings with their musical adventures has been exciting.”
For many of the band’s musicians, practices extend far beyond the rehearsal space. Enrolled in assorted music classes through the Music Department, the students have access to teachers, peers, and extra practice time. Sinowave’s Drummer Gary Du ’28 expressed, “Swarthmore’s Taiko Ensemble has really changed my view on and how I approach my drumset.” Leaders of the New School Vocalist Colin DeLaney ’25 noted, “Everyone is talented at any domain they occupy. You look to your peers for support and guidance, and I can say that’s really elevated how I navigate the world as a vocalist.”
When I asked about their song preferences, covers or originals, there was a variety of responses. Writing and performing all original music on his album “Too Young to be Played,” Gustav Allotey ’25 reflected, “I feel like when you’re in college, it comes with growth. Even the way you write your lyrics shows your growth, so maybe compared to high school versus now, you have more maturity in whatever you write [and] make.” For others, playing music is a chance to showcase less popular music on campus. “This is an exciting opportunity,” says Guitarist for Plugged In, David Ornelas ’25. “There’s not a lot of metal music performed here [at Swarthmore].”After months, semesters, and even years of hard work, the bands will come together this Friday, April 11 to show off their artistry. If you are excited to hear amazing covers and premiering originals, come to Olde Club at 8 p.m. to witness a night to remember! For the bands, I wish you all the best of luck!
