HEBRON MUSICAL FEST : BATTLE OF BANDS - SEASON 3

Siliguri, September 22 : Music is a language that transcends unspoken and unheard emotions that resonates in millions of hearts. It is nothing less than a therapy for composers, vocalists, musicians, and listeners. With the vision of connecting young music lovers, Hebron School, New Rangia, has been organising Battle of Bands for the past three years, igniting student's love for music. This is an event that brings young music enthusiasts together to showcase their talent, teamwork and perseverance. The school provides a unique platform for all participants to join the vibrant stage, perform, gain experiences while creating lasting memories.

Hebron School, New Rangia hosted its third season on 20th September, 2025 with 10 schools from in and around North Bengal comprising 12 bands with 2 bands each from Hebron School, New Rangia and Hebron English School, Bagdogra competing for the coveted champions trophy. The rocking and electrifying performances kept the audience enthralled throughout the event. The sensational performances reflected the teamwork, devotion and passion carried by each band members. From classic rock to indie, fusion and soulful ballads, each band showcased their originality, technical skill and passion for music. As Hans Christian Andersen said “Where words fail, music speaks”, every note and rhythm carried sentiments conveying their dreams and aspirations to be the champions.

The event was graced by the presence of respected dignitaries including Reverend Mammen Joseph, Director of Hebron School, New Rangia, Mrs. Alice Mammen, founder of Hebron School, New Rangia, Mr. Moncy Mammen, Chairman of Hebron School, New Rangia, Mrs. Jemeema Philipose, Principal of Hebron School, New Rangia, Mrs. Jayanti Das, Vice-Principal of Hebron School, New Rangia, Mrs. Debika Thapa Naidu, Headmistress of Hebron School, New Rangia, Mr. Anu Peter, Principal of Hebron English School, Bagdogra and Mrs. Beas Paul Choudhary, Director of Father Leblond School whose support and encouragement added to the significance of the occasion.

The event was judged by an esteemed panel of musical professionals who brought with them a wealth of experience and an ear for originality and true musical talent. The judges were :

1. Mr. Abhishek Lemo Gurung who is a renowned singer - songwriter and frontman of bands like Gingerfeet and Still Waters. He has performed at major festivals such as The the Hornbill Rock Contest in 2011. A co-founder of the Pine Tree Festival, he was also a finalist on Colors Infinity’s “The Stage” Season 2 in the year 2016 among many other accomplishments. Great Indian Rock, Ziro Festival, and the South Asian Games, 2016 and was awarded Best Vocalist at the Hornbill Rock Contest in 2011. A co-founder of the Pine Tree Festival, he was also a finalist on Colors Infinity’s “The Stage” Season 2 in the year 2016 among many other accomplishments.

2. Mr. Abhishek Gahatraj who is a trained violinist and music educator from Kurseong. A Trinity College London Grade 8 violinist, he also holds ABRSM certifications in classical guitar and music theory. He has performed at events like the Strings Tour 2015, trained in conducting and singing from Sing for Please UK comes to India in 2019, and managed the Trinity Day Celebrations 2025 in India. He currently runs the Andante School of Music in Siliguri, a registered Trinity exam centre along with several other contributions to music education across the region.

To ensure fairness and spontaneity, the performance sequence was decided by the judges through a chit system conducted just before the commencement of the programme. This added an element of surprise, as neither the audience nor the participants knew which band would take the stage next. The order of performances were revealed one act at a time, keeping the suspense alive and the excitement building throughout the event.

The final performance sequence was as follows :

1. Darjeeling Public School, Siliguri

2. G.D. Goenka Public School, Siliguri

3. Hebron English School, Bagdogra (Juniors)

4. Sri Sri Academy, Siliguri

5. Sacred Heart School, Siliguri

6. Hebron School, New Rangia (Group B)

7. Delhi Public School, Dooars

8. Rose Bud Academy, Kalimpong

9. St. Xavier’s School, Siliguri

10. Hebron English School, Bagdogra (Seniors)

11. Father Leblond School, Bidhan Nagar

12. Hebron School, New Rangia (Group A)

The rules were simple yet challenging as each band was given 10 minutes to set up their instruments and perform two songs : one in a Regional Language and one in English. This format not only tested their musical range but also celebrated the diversity of music in the present culture.

The event began with a heartfelt prayer, invoking blessings and gratitude to God. Following this, the Chairman of Hebron School, New Rangia, Mr. Moncy Mammen, addressed the gathering and clearly explained the format of the competition. The event was then seamlessly carried forward by the dynamic anchors, Miss. Shivani Panchakoti and Mrs. Lila Rai Biswas, whose energy and enthusiasm kept the audience engaged throughout. Each band delivered a powerful performance, and the vibrant atmosphere in the school auditorium never wavered.

Audience favourites included powerful renditions of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by the legendary band, Guns N’ Roses, “Socha Hai” from the musically iconic film, Rock On, sung by Farhan Akhtar and a high-octane performance of “The Final Countdown”, the rock anthem by Europe.

The performers also captivated the audience with a soulful cover of “Luka Chhupi” the timeless song by Maestro A.R. Rahman and eminent vocalist Lata Mangeshkar Ji, as well as “Sanskriti” by the acclaimed Mantra Band, among many other memorable numbers.

Following the final performance by Hebron School, New Rangia (Group A), the judges took the stage to share their feedback, offering words of encouragement and appreciation for the budding artists. Their insights were both inspiring and uplifting.

The afternoon continued with a special performance by the teachers, Mr. Rana and Mr. Arbin of Hebron English School, Bagdogra, followed by a lively performance by Mrs. Ranita Das and further balanced by a soft cover by Mrs. Antara Bhattacharjee, both from Hebron School, New Rangia adding a graceful close to the segment.

The event culminated in a much-anticipated award ceremony, where the outstanding efforts and talents of the participants' bands were recognised. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as the winners were announced in various categories, including Best showmanship, best keyboardist, best unique instrument, most entertaining band, and more.

The championship title of the Battle of the Bands - Season 3 was proudly bagged by Hebron English School, Bagdogra (Senior Group).

St. Xavier’s School, Siliguri secured the First Runner-Up position followed by G.D. Goenka Public School, Siliguri as the Second Runner-Up.

In addition to the championship titles, several individual and group awards were presented. 1. Best Showmanship : (Bassist) Darjeeling Public School, Siliguri. 2. Best Keyboardist : Hebron English School, Bagdogra (Seniors). 3. Best Vocalist : Delhi Public School, Dooars.

4. Best Bassist : Sri Sri Academy, Siliguri.

5. Best Guitarist : G.D. Goenka Public School, Siliguri.

6. Best Drummer : Father Leblond School, Bidhan Nagar.

7. Best Unique Instrument : (Flute) Hebron English School, Bagdogra. 8. Most Entertaining Band : Rose Bud Academy, Kalimpong.

The event drew to a close with a graceful vote of thanks delivered by the Headmistress, Mrs. Debika Thapa Naidu of Hebron School, New Rangia, who showered gratitude to the dignitaries, judges, participating schools, staff members, audience and everyone who contributed to the success of Battle of Bands - Season 3. Her words reflected appreciation, encouragement, and pride in the young talents showcased throughout the day.

The event was a resounding success, achieving its primary goal of promoting music and talent, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and providing an afternoon of entertainment for all the students and staff.

Battle of Bands - Season 3 stood as a testament to the musical potential of young minds and the power of collaborative expression. With hearts full of joy, everyone left inspired, eagerly anticipating Battle of Bands - Season 4.

The Judges for Hebron Battle of Bands 2024