BRIDGEWATER, Va. — Bridgewater College earned national recognition after placing second out of Division II and III schools of “For Whom the Band Tolls”, a video competition hosted by the rock band, Metallica.
For Marching Band Director Barry Flowe, the award represents months of dedication and rehearsal time from students.
“The students deserve to be recognized for their hard work,” Flowe said.
Winners were announced Jan. 30, 2026, with the college’s Screaming Eagles Marching Band receiving a $20,000 prize.
The competition invited college marching bands across the country to submit videos of performances featuring Metallica songs. After submitting their entry, Bridgewater students waited weeks for the judges’ decision.
Flowe said he felt confident in what the band delivered.
“It was the best show we could have sent,” Flowe said.
Sophomore marching band member Darik King said he was proud of the performance and the group’s growth throughout the season.
“Competitions help bring people together,” King said. “We worked so hard. It was a collaborative effort.”
Flowe said the $20,000 prize will be used to purchase new equipment for next season, helping ensure students have updated instruments and resources to continue improving the program.
According to Metallica’s website, Flowe promised students he would get his first tattoo if they placed in their division.
“I’m calling it a moment of enthusiasm,” Flowe said. “It was a fun way to say, hey, I’m committed to the show so much that if you do well, I’ll get a tattoo.”
Flowe said the tattoo is in progress, with the appointment booked.
According to WHSV, the band has been invited to perform in Rome for New Year’s Day in 2027.
Despite the recognition and prize money for the school and the marching band program, Flowe emphasized that the spotlight belongs to the students.
“We are a student-centered organization, and we try to make this a lot of fun for them,” Flowe said. “I saw my students enjoy putting this show together. The award and the recognition for the students’ work is what I’m getting a lot of joy out of.”
The Division I winners of the competition included University of South Carolina in first place and Virginia Tech in second place. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign won third place and received an additional $10,000 as fan favorite.
The Division II and three winners were Riverside City College in first place, Bridgewater College in second place, and Indiana Wesleyan in third place.
