GARAGE BANDS, GET READY. Rockonsin applications open on March 1 for the 21st annual youth band competition. (2024 winner, New Normal, pictured at Summerfest via Facebook)

After two decades of the annual competition for Wisconsin youth bands, Rockonsin is still providing the perfect opportunity for students in grades 7-12 to hit the big stage. From March 1-April 30, Wisconsin youth bands (with two or more members, one of which being a vocalist) are able to submit their video applications to the competition for free.

The Chippewa Valley has seen success through Rockonsin as recently as last summer, with Chippewa Falls-based band 30 Minute Difference making the top 10 in both 2023 and 2024. In 2023, area band Resonate also made the finals, and in 2022, Comrad & the Comrades and Ember Sky also made the finals. Needless to say, the Valley has great local talent and could see another local band make Rockonsin finals this year.

After April 30, three music industry professionals will review the band application videos and select 10 finalists that will be invited to perform a 20-minute set at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Of those finalists, the top two bands will duke it out in the finals competition.

The winning band will win a Shure wireless microphone system and a professional recording session for 12 hours at Madison’s Blast House Studios. The runner-up will receive an eight-hour recording session. In addition to those sessions, the top two bands will also get to perform for a second time at Summerfest.

Snag your chance at winning Rockonsin by submitting one song (can be a cover or an original song) on the Rockonsin website, rockonsin.org.

For more information on Rockonsin, including up-to-date news, band application information, application requirements, and more, go to rockonsin.org • Follow the competition on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram (@rockonsin)