FFA to host battle of bands at school

Granville members of the National FFA Organization will host six groups for the fifth annual battle of the bands on Saturday, Dec. 1.

Along with high school bands participating in the competition, such as the Granville jazz band and the Greenwich FFA band, other musicians will play just for entertainment.

Bill Hunsinger will be playing with his progressive rock, five-man band, the Cosmonauts, for the second year in a row. He said the band wanted to do the event again after having a good experience last year.

“I was pretty surprised by our response last year — there was a full auditorium of people,” Hunsinger said.

Terry Wheeler, FFA advisor, thinks the event is a unique opportunity for his students. He said there are a lot of front-of-the-curtain acts like lip-synching, in addition to the bands.

“Our kids don’t get to see a lot of live entertainment,” Wheeler said. He said FFA students will be coming from out of state for the event and that it sold out the last two years.

Hunsinger said everyone was very positive last year, and he was impressed with the students’ abilities.

“I was really surprised by how good everyone was — there was a lot of talent,” he said. “I’m pretty excited about this year to see how it goes.”

Event organizers encourage interested attendees to buy tickets ahead, come to the high school to find out who the guests are and who will win the battle, and be prepared for a night of surprises.

All acts will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. The Future Business Leaders of America will hold a concession stand at the event. For more information call Wheeler at the school at 518-642-1051.