After an strong community response in support of their inaugural event last year, five students from Bellevue’s Interlake High School who created and executed the first Eastside Battle of the Bands for ArtsEd WA have brought it back for a second run.

This year’s Eastside Battle of the Bands for ArtsEd WA will be Friday from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at the Old Fire House Teen Center in Redmond. Tickets are $10 at the door.

The effort began in early 2010, students discovered that their school arts programs had been slated for significant cuts and local arts programs looked to be in danger. As many students jumped into action and began speaking out, the students students decided to take their efforts a step further.

In conjunction with Interlake’s International Baccalaureate Program, which encouraged students to collaborate and create community, action, and service projects, the team’s idea quickly grew into the Eastside Battle of the Bands for ArtsEd WA, raising more than $4,000 to benefit ArtsEd

Washington, the statewide arts education advocacy non-profit that works to advance arts education for all students in Washington State.

Each member of the high school team, which includes Andrew Nelson, Carew Giberson-Chen, Andrew Nguyen, Aaron Roper and Rohan Waghani, has been involved in the Bellevue School

District’s music programs since elementary school.

“I can’t imagine myself going to school and not playing music” said Andrew Nelson. “Music inspires me every day, and it has played a fundament role in who I am as a person.”

Carew Giberson-Chen offered another. “I chose to play clarinet with no intention of continuing past my fifth grade year, but I fell in love with the instrument and with band as a whole. Six years later, I am still committed.”

Andrew Nguyen added that music education is about far more than learning to sing or play an instrument. “Music has taught me a number of skills, including teamwork, leadership, and responsibility.”

However, the team emphasizes that the project is not only about raising money, but raising awareness and giving students a voice.

“While the money we raise is certainly significant,” said Aaron Roper, “I love the fact that so many individuals come out to show their support for the arts.”

“The Battle of the Bands gets kids motivated about being more active members in the community and defending what they stand for,” added Rohan Waghani.

Una McAlinden, executive director of ArtsEd Washington, who has worked closely with the student team throughout the process notes, “There is a reason that the arts are part of basic education and required by law to be provided to all students. They nurture critical thinking and complex problem solving skills, as well as providing a foundation for creativity and innovation. This project clearly demonstrates that connection and further establishes that arts education is at the very heart of most students’ school experience.”

This year’s competition will feature bands from across the Eastside – ranging from Kent to Kenmore – who will compete for a $300 cash prize and the rights to the title of “Best Band on the Eastside.”

The team also credits Microsoft’s generous support for a good portion of the event’s momentum and success. In addition to a featured sponsorship, Microsoft has donated two Kinect for Xbox 360 sensors and Xbox 360 game consoles to be given out at this year’s event.

“The support from Microsoft and Xbox 360 adds a lot of excitement to the event,” Andrew Nelson said. “Everyone gets really into the prizes, and it takes the edge off the competitive nature of a battle of the bands. In the end, we’re all working together to make a difference in countless young musicians’ lives.”

In addition to Microsoft, the team acknowledges the event’s other community supporters including Donn Bennett Drum Studio, Bellevue American Music, the Varsity Student Institute, Moore Brothers Music, Bellevue School of Music, Da Capo Photography and the Bellevue Reporter.

Although originally conceptualized as a one-time event, the team has taken measures this year to make it ongoing. Already, a group of underclassmen is working closely with the current team and is poised to take over in 2012.

More information can be found on the group’s Facebook page.

ArtsEd Washington is also featuring a profile overview of the founding students on their website at www.artsedwashington.org.

WHAT: Eastside Battle of the Bands for ArtsEd WA

WHEN: Friday, March 18, 2011

TIME: 7:30-10:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Old Fire House Teen Center, Redmond, 16510 NE 79th St.

COST: $10 at the door

INFORMATION: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=114052878629103&ref=ts

Proceeds support ArtsEd Washington, www.artsedwashington.org.