The Neuhof School Band from Neuhof English Medium School in Mizoram won the Yamaha Teens Rock 2026 Grand Finale, a national battle of bands held at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts in Bengaluru, Zee News reported.
CS Howlers from CS Academy in Tamil Nadu placed as first runner-up, and The Apricity from Shri Hanuman Mandir Dharamshala School in West Bengal earned second runner-up, according to Zee News.
The competition drew more than 680 registrations and over 270 video submissions from young bands across India, with semifinals held at 13 Yamaha Music Square locations before six finalist bands advanced, Zee News reported. This year’s edition expanded participation to include ensembles from both schools and music academies.
Finalist performances were judged on musicality, creativity, stage presence and overall quality by a panel that included Yamaha Artists and a Trinity College London music director, Zee News reported.
The finale also featured special performances by students from KM Music Conservatory and The Sunshine Orchestra, Zee News reported. Yamaha Music India’s brand ambassador A.R. Rahman attended, telling the outlet that such platforms give young people a stage for musical expression and encourage continued learning.
Yamaha Music India and Trinity College London partnered to connect music education with live performance opportunities, Zee News reported.
For more information, visit zeenews.india.com.