Bovine phobia. For any student or staff who attended Air Band last year, they understand the implications of that statement. For those who do not, a brief explanation is in order. 

Bovine phobia relates to the period of dead time in between an air band’s performance and the judge’s final decisions. While the judges are tallying up their scores, there is an incredible potential for … extras. The dead time last year, of course, was filled by the fabled ‘cow tackle’ by Albert L that floored both MCs in one go. This year, grad council tried its best to prevent any such farmyard fiascos and instead filled the time with performances by several guest performers, including a hip-hop dance performance by five Brentwood students, and two of Mrs. Pennells’ favourite songs, sung in honor of her birthday which fell on the same day as the Air Band competition. And thus Air Band successfully avoided any bovine related bruising. But how did the rest of the night go?

Ask any student what the best night is at Brentwood, and nine times out of ten the response will be “Air Band”. It is a showcase of talent and hilarity, of originality and teamwork that never disappoints. From boy bands, to classics, to Napoleon Dynamite and School of Rock, students get together to practice and perform. This year was one of the best yet, with performances bringing the competition to new heights. Judged under three categories of originality, lip-synching, and dance, groups took to the stage and absolutely set it ablaze with their energy. 

To encourage fairness in the judging, the acts are split by age group. There is a junior category, a mixed category (for juniors and seniors) and as a senior category. This year, there were only three junior acts and everyone placed, winning points for their respective houses. The winning Junior act was by the grade tens of Hope and Privett houses, with a lot of energetic dance moves and shiny clothing. 

In mixed, the competition was stepped up a notch with a ton of different acts, and an insane level of commitment. The Whittall boys, continuing their tradition of W’Sync, performed N’Sync’s ‘Pop,’ and … won it. There was no doubt. Their moves set the crowd cheering and whistling, and the fame of the song had a huge number of people singing along. In second place was the Mackenzie house girls with ‘Hollaback Girl’ by Gwen Stefani. 

After the mixed category, the seniors took to the stage. There is a tradition of Air Band being spectacular. There have been acts set to Disney songs. There have been acts to classic rap songs, or immensely popular hip-hop songs. Brentwood students have sung and danced along to glam rock, and even German techno. They have organized enough people and costumes with some incredible choreography that rivals the annual musical. But not once has Brentwood experienced what some senior acts brought to the table this year. Consider, please, Head Prefect, Ian M, and his roommate, Calvin S, and their rendition of Italian opera. It is one thing to see the Head Prefect lead the school by saying grace at Thanksgiving dinner, or helping represent the student body in discussions with the administration, but it is something else entirely to see him prancing around the stage in a dress and shawl, lip-synching Italian and dancing with his roommate. The two of them placed second. What does it say about the level of competition in Air Band that one of the funniest, most original acts to ever grace the Killy stage did not win gold? Well, ladies and gentlemen… 1st was captured by “Mambo No. 5” performed by the Mackenzie House Grade 12s. They nailed the moves in sync with Mairead M’s stunning impersonation of Lou Bega, complete with coloured suit and hat. 

Air Band is so much fun, and it’s not just the night. Even writing this article is distracting; catchy tunes echo in my head and memories of previous acts fill my imagination as I try to type. It has, and always will be, a personal favourite. Special this year, of course, was its coinciding with Mrs. Pennells’ birthday and several raucous renditions of ‘Happy Birthday’ were encouraged and sung by the audience. 

Congratulations to all performers, a huge thanks to Grad Council and Mrs. Martin for organizing, and special thanks to Mr. Armitage for his help with lights and sound. 

Jonathan B.E.