Sonic Futures: Harwood’s Battle of the Bands catapults student bands to Higher Ground on Friday
May 22, 2025 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Harwood Assembly Band is part of Sonic Futures at Higher Ground on May 23. Courtesy photo
A Harwood Union Music Department project takes its act to the next level on Friday when multiple local high school bands hit the stage at Higher Ground in South Burlington.
“Sonic Futures: Youth Music Collective” brings three local student bands and one solo performer to the venue’s Showcase Lounge starting at 7:30 p.m.
Harwood Music teachers Molly Clark and Brian Boyes are shepherding what is the second act from the fall Battle of the Bands held at Harwood on Oct. 25 when student solo and group acts gathered for what’s become an annual friendly competition.
Boyes and Clark note that the musicians and vocalists represent youth artistry and creativity, and highlight some of the area’s best talent.
The four top acts from the competition will perform at Friday’s Higher Ground show:
The Hard Copies took first place at the 2024 Battle of the Bands. Screenshot
Hard Copies: Playing indie-grunge from Montpelier High School, their sound draws inspiration from classic rock, folk, grunge, and alternative rock. They also plan to record an EP in the coming months, a perk that came with winning the 2024 Harwood Battle of the Bands.
The Glam Cowboys perform at the 2024 Battle of the Bands. Screenshot
Glam Cowboys: With original nostalgia pop and “Dolly meets Chappel” covers, this Harwood Union High School indie-pop band credits its influences to artists such as Chappell Roan, Dolly Parton, and Fleetwood Mac. The Glam Cowboys formed in early 2024 for a Battle of the Bands competition and have been together since. The band includes Eireann Mcdonough as lead vocalist, Tarin Askew on guitar and vocals, Cora Potts on drums, Cali Neville on bass, and Eliza Whitehair on keys. They are known for their matching attire, throwback covers, and original songs with themes ranging from nature to social issues, written by Askew and Mcdonough. They’ve performed at venues including Firefolk Arts and Zenbarn and were the runner-up at the Battle of the Bands in October.
Charlotte Brault was the best solo act at the 2024 Battle of the Bands. Screenshot
Charlotte Brault: Singer-guitarist and Spaulding High School senior has been making music from an early age. She started playing trombone in 4th grade, joined chorus in 5th, and eventually went on to perform in musicals and learn guitar. Passionate about performing, she says she enjoys pushing herself out of her comfort zone and growing in the process. Her post-high school plans include continuing to sing and play music, learning new instruments, and working on songwriting. Charlotte won best solo act at the Battle of the Bands.
The Assembly Band: A 25-year tradition, Harwood’s flagship jam band sets the standard for a modern high school band. The Assembly Band anchors school concerts and performs at assemblies, school events and venues in Central Vermont and Chittenden County. Their style melds Southern rock with modern pop-funk-soul. The band has shared the stage with artists such as Madalia and Russ Lawton and Ray Paczkowski of TAB. With lead and background vocals, tight horns and a rhythm section, the Assembly Band performs a wide catalog from the Tedeschi Trucks Band to modern funk-pop groups like Lawrence and Couch. Over the years, band members have gone on to study music at well-known universities, join bands, and pursue solo recording careers.
Tickets: $14. Purchase at the door or online at highergroundmusic.com.