WINTHROP -- The teen band Fyve of Winthrop middle and high schools, is in the semi-finals of the SchoolJam USA teen battle of the bands competition. The nationwide contest is designed to encourage teen bands across the U.S. to demonstrate their musical talents and enjoy the many proven benefits of making music.

Fyve is included in the online voting portion of the competition at www.schooljamusa.com. Fyve also has a Web site with links to vote for this contest at http://fyverock.com/ The public may vote daily for their favorite band. The top two bands in five designated regions receiving the most votes will be announced on Dec. 19, and will be invited to the live SchoolJam USA battle of the bands finals held at the NAMM Show on Saturday, Jan. 16, in Anaheim, Calif.

The SchoolJam USA Battle of the Bands helps highlight talented teens across the country, while supporting the bands' school music education programs. The winning band will receive $750 toward new musical equipment and could win a trip to perform at the SchoolJam Germany live finals in Frankfurt, Germany, at the MusikMesse trade fair. The top band's school music program will also receive $5,000 toward new musical equipment purchased at their local NAMM Member retailer of choice. The competition is sponsored with the help of the National Association for Music Education; the Music Education National Conference; Music For All; the John Lennon Educational Bus; SchoolJam and InTune Monthly magazine.

Fyve is comprised of five 14 year-old honor students --  three girls and two boys. The lead singer Danielle Pease has a way of injecting emotion into her performances whether she is singing solo or playing piano. Pease has an ear for sound and likes to write songs. Drummer and pianist Katherine Veayo is a natural performer with an "old-school ear" for music. Her identical twin, Kristen, is a guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter who composes music and lyrics at the same time. The Veayo twins have played music together for more than six years, helping the band with rhythm and timing. Bass player Aaron St. Pierre has a  real stage presence and his multiple talents include vocals, piano, and trumpet. Declan Chu is an accomplished guitarist who has a way of pulling the crowd in with his solos.

The event is sponsored by NAMM, resenting the interests of music products retailers to an
international association including both commercial, retail members and
affiliates.