Teen events: Battle of the Bands and Film Fest

Attention teens! If you are in a band or like making videos, check out the following opportunities from the Schaumburg Township District Library. Musicians are invited to compete in Battle of the Bands taking place from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 29, in Schaumburg's Town Square. The July 17 deadline is drawing near, so be sure to send in your audition before that time.

To audition, submit one MP3 song to stdlteens@gmail.com or a link to a website like YouTube or Purevolume.

Now for the requirements: At least one member of the band must be between the ages of 12 and 19 on battle day. All band members must be available at 5 p.m., July 29, to set up.

For questions about the audition or performance, contact stdlteens@gmail.com or call (847) 923-3242.

Why compete? Performing in Battle of the Bands is great publicity for your band. It is free advertising - a way to get your name out there and show people what you've got. Use this as an opportunity to showcase your music, as well as your website or Facebook page, and expand your fan base. The winning band will receive a prize and be featured in the library's Program Guide, which gets mailed to Schaumburg Township residents.

If you love music but aren't a musician, come to Battle of the Bands for a free outdoor concert. The bands will compete in front of the Town Square pond, where audience members can relax with snacks and beverages. Feel free to bring a blanket if you don't want to sit on the grass.

Maybe you're creative in a nonmusical way. If your artistic outlet is creating or acting in videos, enter the Teen Film Fest to be held 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, in Teen Place. The Teen Place staff will be taking submissions until Sept. 30, so you still have time to work some video magic. Teens ages 12 to 19 may enter by posting a seven minute or less video to YouTube. (Longer videos will not be accepted.) Send the video link to studio@stdl.org. The categories include comedy, drama, action, horror and animation. For information, including rules for submission, go to teen.schaumburglibrary.org.

These are just two of the many creative outlets for teens offered by the Schaumburg Township District Library. Upcoming programs include Tech-a-Palooza on July 23 and Japanese Anime and Culture on Aug. 5.

For more information on teen programs and special events, go to teen.schaumburglibrary.org, check out the Program Guide or visit Teen Place on the library's second floor.