All bands are open to compete, regardless of member and instrument composition, genre, or style! We’ve had a huge range of bands with all sorts of styles compete, so even if you’re not sure, go for it!
The competition will take place in two stages: all acts can send in performances videos in the initial stage, of which four bands will be selected to play in the final stage in Bailey Hall.
Please read through all the rules of the competition below before making your submission:
For any and all questions, please feel free to reach out to jazzplus@cornell.edu
Submissions are open now! If you’re unsure whether your act should enter or not, go for it!
Any Music Group is eligible to enter Big Red Battle of the Bands. A Music Group must fulfill the following requirements:
51% or more of the members must be full-time students
Professors and IC students do not count towards this 51% total
For a full-time student to count towards the 51% total, they must be playing a significant role in the music group, as decided by the judging panel
A Music Group must have 2 or more performing members
A video submission must be under 10 minutes in duration and between 2 and 4 songs must be performed in order to be eligible
It is greatly encouraged (but not required) that every band submits a performance of at least one original song
Video submissions may not be edited in such a way that the performance cannot be recreated live (i.e. no splicing takes, only one camera angle, no video or audio effects that are not achievable in a live setting, no autotune, etc. Samples or other sources of pre-recorded material must be triggered live on video)
All songs, including covers, originals, and samples under copyright that are longer than 30 seconds, need to be cited on the submission form. (when in doubt, use a citation!)
Video submissions will not be judged for their video or audio quality, however music groups should aim to represent their sound and look as honestly as possible
Video Submissions should include a short introduction by the band (who are you?)
Video Submissions must be submitted via an unlisted or public youtube link
Some friendly tips for submissions:
Tune your instruments!
Make sure all members of your act are visible in your video (and present when you film!). You might need to get someone else to film for you.
Position the microphone/phone so that everyone can be heard (eg. don’t put the phone on top of a piano if someone is playing it!). Check your mix before you submit. Commonly in the past, vocals are too quiet and drums are too loud.
Even in a video audition, stage presence matters
Even if you won’t be judged for this, try to avoid reading lyrics, chords, or music off of phones or papers, as this really takes away from your stage presence and energy.
You don’t need to worry about playing the same content at Bailey Hall as you do in your audition video - if you make it to the next stage, you will have plenty of time to prepare for that. Instead, consider playing your strongest, most representative material of you as a group.
Video submissions will be judged by a panel of committee members, as well as professors and faculty across the university. Submissions are due at 11:59pm EST on February 7th, 2026. Results will be announced shortly after.
The final will take place on Saturday, March 21st, 2026 at 3pm.
Each of the four chosen finalists will take to the stage at Bailey Hall for a 25 minute set. You can do absolutely whatever you want with this set !
100% of the vote is from the Student population - this means concert goers, your friends, and even you!
Voting opens immediately after the last act’s performance, and will be displayed as a QR code. The link will also be accessible on this website.
Voting will take place both in-person and with the general student body - exact details to be announced.
Set length for Bailey Hall will be 25 minutes per act.
By submitting a video to the competition, an act agrees to all the rules listed above, as well as to perform in all shows they are selected for (bar extenuating circumstances).
Submit your <10 minute video audition of 2-4 songs using this link. If you’re unsure if you should enter or not, go for it!
Videos are due at 11:59pm EST on February 7th, 2026. Videos will be judged by a panel of staff and students..
The final will take place, on Saturday, March 21st, 2026d
Four bands will be chosen for the final stage of the competition, and have 25 minute sets.
The vote is entirely in the hands of students! Voting opens as soon as the last act finishes, and will be open for only a couple of hours until midnight. The results will be announced shortly after.