WIESBADEN, Germany -- They say that food brings people together. Music is a close second.

American and German Wiesbaden musicians proved this true, bridging gaps and making music with their German peers during the first Composer Slam competition at Wiesbaden High School Jan. 23.

Student bands from Martin-Niemöller-Schule and WHS took to the stage in a battle to be crowned the best band. Scarves won over the crowd and judges and claimed the victory with their original, eclectic improv jams.

But it was more about the process of putting together such a competition that left a mark on the competitors and event organizers.

"I made some really great friends," said Melanie Weber, a WHS sophomore who moderated the event in English. "It was a great way to bond with the community."

Other bands included Ason, a group of four sisters ranging in age from 12 to 20 years, with Swedish and German roots, and Waldorff Schule.

Col. Mary Martin, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden commander, served alongside two high school music teachers and students as a judge.

"I thought it was a great program to help kids get involved with the community and grow German-American friendships," she said. "Many of the kids I talked to had leadership potential."

Composer Slam was the joint project of the two schools, and part of the Wiesbaden-wide Leonardo Project. They are competing in the "Ideas for Wiesbaden" category of Leonardo Project 15, proposing that a similar event is hosted annually on a rotating basis. The team will present its complete concept to the Leonardo jury in the springtime.

The joint project will collaborate on another music event, Jam On, to be held March 20. For Jam On ten different schools are expected to make presentations.