'BAND Against Bullying' music and arts competition returns to UB

Nine local schools bring a message of awareness, prevention and 'dignity for all' to UB's Center for the Arts

By the University at Buffalo

The Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention at the University at Buffalo will again join forces with Hodgson Russ LLP, M&T Bank and Ingram Micro for another "BAND Against Bullying" school arts competition to be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, in the Center for the Arts on the UB North Campus.

The event - fast becoming a spring fixture for UB and area schools - will bring students to the university to demonstrate their musical and artistic skills in a live performing arts competition. It also is an opportunity for students to promote the theme of dignity and respect for all students, raise community awareness of bullying-related issues and rally support for anti-bullying education efforts.

Eight local high schools and one middle school will send students chosen to represent their schools to perform through either a musical, artistic or dramatic piece they have produced themselves. The public is encouraged to attend and support the students performing.

"Bullying is an issue that affects people in schools, communities and society," said Amanda B. Nickerson, Ph.D., director of UB's Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention. "Students in schools are vital to spreading the message about the importance of treating others with dignity and respect and to stand up against bullying.

" 'BAND Against Bullying' is a wonderful venue for students to raise awareness and spread this positive message while also celebrating their talent in the performing arts."

This year's event will feature Kiss 98.5 personalities Janet Snyder, who will host the event, and Nicholas Picholas, who will serve as one of the celebrity judges responsible for scoring the acts. Other judges will include former boxer "Baby" Joe Mesi, Buffalo Sabres alumnus Andrew Peters and Lauren Hall from News 4 "WakeUp!" at WIVB-WNLO TV. 

Joining them on the judges' panel will be Nickerson and Ed Suk of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Tickets are $5 each and available at the Center for the Arts box office. For more information, go to http://nybandagainstbullying.org/event.php.