ENMU band wins 'For Whom the Band Tolls'

After months of training, the Eastern New Mexico University's Greyhound Sound has won Metallica's "For Whom the Band Tolls," marching band competition.

Metallica had challenged marching bands across the United States to incorporate their music into the marching band's shows. The competition gave marching bands at high school and collegiate levels opportunity to compete for nearly $200,000 in music equipment.

"I am so proud of our Greyhound Sound! They rocked the field, and it paid off," said ENMU Chancellor James Johnston in a university news release. "What great representatives of Eastern New Mexico University."

ENMU Director of Bands Dustin Seifert said it was due to his 92 students' passion and dedication for music that drove them to victory. He said the Greyhound Sound won college division two and three.

"Our students selected the repertoire for the show and really drove the entire process. From our band camp in August through the Wagon Wheel (football game) performance in early November," Seifert said.

ENMU Greyhound Sound had played 12 minute performances of some of Metallica's hit songs, including "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "Master of Puppets."

"We selected the music to not only provide musical contrast but to feature music that was popular with listeners and has stood the test of time," Seifert said.

Seifert said the ENMU Greyhound Sound will receive one customized package of musical equipment of the school's choosing with a value of $40,000.

Bands across the nation were encouraged to record their performances at their rivalry football games. Seifert said ENMU Greyhound Sound earned their victory from the game versus West Texas A&M.

He said all the videos were adjudicated by professional music educators and then Metallica picked the winners for each category after fans voted for finalists. Below are the list of winners:

• College (Division 1): Auburn University

• College (Divisions 2 & 3): Eastern New Mexico University

• High School (Large): Dobyns-Bennett High School (Kingsport, TN)

• High School (Medium): TIE - Boerne High School (Boerne, TX) & Malverne High School (Malverne, NY)

• High School (Small): Oakton High School (Vienna, VA)

Through sweltering hot days or windy days, Seifert said the marching band trained through rigorous conditions to earn their placement in the competition. Seifert said this victory really showed their hard work.

"I think it's an excellent reflection of the high quality of music students we have at Eastern New Mexico, many of them trained right here. ... I think it's a great way to kick off ENMU's 90th birthday and it's an experience and a process that they'll never forget," Seifert said.