About sixty young musicians from five Central Florida music schools will take the stage this Sunday, October 4, at the Clermont Performing Arts Center for World of Bands Florida, the region’s first inter-school band championship.
Twelve student bands from The World of Music School, East Orlando School of Music, Orlando School of Music, Garden Music School and Avalon School of Music will perform in a qualifying round beginning at 10:30 am, judged by an independent panel of working musicians and producers. The audience votes as well: the crowd decides the sixth spot in the top division and a Crowd’s Favorite award in each division. Division 2 competes at 2:00 pm and the Division 1 championship begins at 4:30 pm, with awards at 6:30 pm.
“Music schools usually work in their own worlds,” said Max Acosta, founder of The World of Music School and organizer of the event. “We built World of Bands to put these kids on a real stage together, in front of a real crowd, and to build bridges between the schools that teach them.”
The day includes two free masterclasses open to all attendees: “From Practice Room to Performance” with Wilson Tocto and “How to Write Music for a Rock Band” with Jon Gant. Doors open at 9:00 am. Tickets are $25 through Tuesday, September 29 and $35 after, with children 3 and under free, at worldofbands.com/tickets.
World of Bands Florida grew out of a 2025 battle of the bands between two Orlando-area music schools that drew more than 250 guests. The 2026 edition is presented by The World of Music School.
