9 Local Schools Compete in Music and Arts Competition to Promote Dignity and Respect

Lead sponsors M&T Bank, UB's Alberti Center for Bullying Prevention, Kiss 98.5, and Ingram Micro will host "BAND Against Bullying 5" on Thursday, April 27th at 7:00 p.m., at Shea's 710 Theater. The event is "SOLD OUT".

"BAND Against Bullying" is a premiere inter-school music and arts competition related to the theme of DIGNITY. Students from 8 local high schools and one middle school have developed themed performances to raise community awareness of bullying-related issues and to raise support of anti-bullying education efforts.

On Thursday, April 27th, 2017, each final act (selected from each school) will perform at the Shea's 710 Theater. This will be an exciting and eventful evening, including valuable information on bullying awareness, exceptional talent and collaboration among students, and an opportunity to raise awareness for the prevention of bullying in schools..

Special guest Nicholas Picholas from Kiss 98.5 will emcee. The acts will be scored by a panel of seven exclusive judges. The 2017 judges will be announced soon - stay tuned to our website and Twitter feed to see when they are announced!

Bullying and harassment occur frequently among youth (1 out of 3 students are involved as perpetrator, target, or both). Bullying and harassment are related to social, emotional, behavioral, and academic problems, and can impact all involved. There is unprecedented attention to these issues in the media, legislation (NY Dignity for All Students Act, effective July 2012, with an amendment including cyber bullying becoming effective July 2013), and the general public. Schools are at the forefront of many of the bullying efforts and mandates and face competing priorities (budget challenges, mandates about teacher performance assessment, etc). Youth involvement in solutions to these challenging issues is critical for change. BAND Against Bullying seeks to involve youth in raising awareness as an important first step.

The BAND Against Bullying team would like to stress the importance of creating awareness for promoting 'All Needs for Dignity.' It is not about winning or losing. Treat others the way you would like to be treated - harmoniously, with dignity, kindness, free of any discrimination, intimidation, harassment, taunting, and/or bullying. With that being said, it is still fun to have a winner! Students that participate will receive a school trophy for their participation.

For more information please visit www.nybandagainstbullying.org .