Amber Riley and Keri Hilson Save The Music With Battle For Bands Contest

DoSomething.org and the VH1 Save The Music Foundation announce today the second annual "Battle for the Bands" campaign, led by celebrity spokespeople Keri Hilson and "Glee"'s Amber Riley. Launching March 1st, the national initiative mobilizes young people in the fight to keep music education in schools.

"Battle for the Bands" encourages teens to participate by submitting videos about the importance of music in the classroom or by launching local advocacy projects about music education. DoSomething.org and the VH1 Save The Music Foundation will present the videos and projects to members of Congress, urging them to keep comprehensive music education in schools. Last year, over 90,000 teens participated in joint music education campaigns launched by the two organizations.

"We are thrilled to once again partner with DoSomething.org for the "Battle for the Bands" campaign," said Paul Cothran, Executive Director of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. "The videos students submit demonstrate firsthand the value of a comprehensive music education program and help us to continue to raise awareness so that additional children can have access to the benefits of music study. Last year saw an incredible batch of submissions and I can't wait to see what's in store for this year."

Hilson, star of VH1s Divas Salute The Troops and performer on the Critics Choice Movie Awards, filmed a Public Service Announcement (PSA) that launched during the live telecast of VH1's Super Bowl Fan Jam concert.

"Glee" star Amber Riley is a VH1 Save The Music Ambassador and offers her own advice on the importance of music in a PSA that begins airing March 1st on Channel One News, VH1 and Palladia.

"Music is one of the most important things in my life and I am honored to be a part of the 'Battle for the Bands' campaign," said Amber Riley. "I'm looking forward to seeing all of the submissions and helping these two incredible organizations keep music in our schools!"

"Without music, how would any of us have learned the abc's?" said DoSomething.org CEO, Nancy Lublin.

The six-week campaign will run from March 1st through April 15th, 2011. Thanks to support from the Hot Topic Foundation, a number of grants and prizes are available to reward students from participating schools. The Hot Topic Foundation will also make a grant to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation in support of restoring a public school's instrumental music program.

A panel of expert and celebrity judges will evaluate the video and project entries based on creativity, strength of argument, use of social media, and overall participation.

The Grand Prize video will receive a $5000 prize for their school music program and will be flown to NYC to perform at the Do Something Awards Kickoff Event before music executives and a packed house. The Grand Prize advocacy project will also receive $5000 and be featured on VH1 News and VH1.com.

Two additional winners in each category will be selected to receive up to $1000 for their school music programs, concert tickets, and other great prizes.

Studies show that children who study music and the arts have higher grades, score better on standardized tests, have better attendance records and are more active in community affairs than other students.

For more information and contest guidelines, visit Dosomething.org/battle and vh1savethemusic.com.

ABOUT DOSOMETHING: DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US that helps young people rock causes they care about. A driving force in creating a culture of volunteerism, DoSomething.org is on track to activate two million young people in 2011. By leveraging the web, television, mobile, and pop culture, DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. Plug in at www.DoSomething.org.

ABOUT VH1 SAVE THE MUSIC FOUNDATION: The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America's public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education. To date, VH1 Save The Music has provided more than $47 million in new musical instruments to 1,750 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of over 1.6 million children. The 2011 Ambassador Class - dedicated to raising awareness and funds to benefit The Foundation - includes: Amber Riley, Ciara, Jewel, John Legend, John Mayer, Kristin Chenoweth, Lifehouse and Sara Bareilles. Get involved at www.vh1savethemusic.com and follow us on twitter @vh1savethemusic.

Photo Credit: BWW-Staff