Five Interlake High School musicians raised over $4,000 for ArtsEd Washington in the first annual Eastside Battle of the Bands presented by Xbox 360.

Aimed at supporting music education in Washington, the event was entirely planned and directed by a team of 16-year-old sophomores, including Andrew Nelson, Aaron Roper, Rohan Waghani, Andrew Nguyen and Carew Giberson-Chen.

The project was part of Interlake’s International Baccalaureate program, which challenged students to create an ongoing group project that integrates the elements of the program’s Creativity, Action, and Service or “CAS” requirements.

Inspired by a passion for music, the students contacted Una McAlinden, Executive Director of the statewide arts education advocacy non-profit ArtsEd Washington. All proceeds from the event were donated to ArtsEd Washington, which works to ensure that the arts are part of the complete education for every student in the state.

McAlinden said was impressed with the leadership and creativity of the students in creating the event.

“Crucial attributes that are nurtured by arts learning include collaboration, creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and these Interlake students put all their skills to bear in making this a spectacular event, raising awareness as well as money,” she said. “They are valuable community members who will have a big impact in whatever they do in life.”

Four youth bands from across the Eastside competed on Saturday June 19 at the Old Fire House Teen Center in Redmond for both the $300 cash prize and the honor of best band on the Eastside.

Over 150 youths and adults attended to support the bands, the students, and music education.

This year’s winner was “Fit For Hounds” from Issaquah, followed by runner-up “The Terminal Velocity” from Bellevue.

Critical to the success of the project was a featured sponsorship by Microsoft’s Xbox 360. In addition to generous monetary support, Microsoft donated two Xbox 360 Elite Bundles to be raffled off at the event.

Other sponsors and supporters of the event were Donn Bennett Drum Studio, Bellevue American Music, Da Capo Photography, Varsity Student Institute, the Bellevue Reporter and EMP.

The success of this year’s event has inspired the team to stage the event again next year.