A Port Washington student band, Used Car Battery, won the Bach to Rock National Battle of the Bands, showcasing the talents of four young musicians on a national stage.
Bach to Rock is a music school that provides students with the foundational skills they need to be proficient in music technique and theory. Bach to Rock also encourages students to showcase their abilities, gain confidence on stage, and build teamwork skills with their peers.
The National Battle of the Bands was divided into three divisions — elementary school, middle school and high school — so students competed in their own age groups. Used Car Battery competed in the high school division.
During the event, each band performed two songs before a live audience. Used Car Battery took the stage at The Cutting Room in Manhattan. Groups were permitted to play a cover song or an original composition.
Judges awarded points based on musicianship, ensemble precision and stage presence, according to Bach to Rock’s website. Extra points were given for original music, and bands were encouraged to perform one cover and one original piece.
At the end of the event, judges tallied the points and awarded one winner and two runners-up for each division. Winners earned a recording session in Bach to Rock’s state-of-the-art studio.
Used Car Battery — with Grayson Meister on vocals and guitar, Cameron Gerbasi on lead guitar, Daniel O’Farrell on bass and Gianni Livigni on drums — claimed the title by impressing judges with their musicianship, stage presence and originality.
Town of North Hempstead Council Member Mariann Dalimonte offered her congratulations in a statement.
“Grayson, Cameron, Daniel, and Gianni have made Port Washington so proud. Their hard work, creativity and dedication are truly inspiring,” Dalimonte said. “I cannot wait to see where their musical journey takes them.”
Used Car Battery’s win not only brings national recognition to the young musicians but also underscores the success of Bach to Rock — a national music-school franchise that emphasizes a dynamic learning method combining private instruction, ensemble programs, and live performance opportunities.
Dalimonte said the band’s achievement highlights the vibrant youth talent in Port Washington and illustrates the valuable role of programs like Bach to Rock in nurturing creative development.
