The 70th Annual Arcadia Festival of Bands - Saturday, November 18th, 2023 | Duarte Road, east of Holly Avenue
Musical
Arts
The 70th Annual Arcadia Festival of Bands, taking place on Saturday, November 18th, 2023, is a highly esteemed band review event in Southern California. This beloved tradition, held in Arcadia, CA, has established itself as the premier band review in the region and holds the distinction of being the longest-running event of its kind in the entire state. The success of this event is attributed to the unwavering support provided by various entities, including the City of Arcadia, the Fire and Police Departments, the Arcadia Unified School District, and local businesses. Without their cooperation, this extraordinary parade would not be possible.
The all-day festivities commence with the Band Review at 9 a.m. on Duarte Road, east of Holly Avenue, with the Dignitary Parade leading off at 8:40 a.m. Following this, the Percussion Festival begins at 11:40 a.m. at Salter Stadium at Arcadia High School, followed by the Band Review Awards Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. To culminate the day, the evening field tournament features the highly anticipated 6A Division Field Show Championship for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA). This thrilling event is scheduled to commence at 5 p.m. at Citrus College in Glendora, CA, followed by the Awards Ceremony at 8:30 p.m.
For an impressive 70 years, the Arcadia community has united to celebrate this exceptional program of musical excellence. Kevin Sherrill, the Band and Percussion Director at Arcadia High School, emphasizes the importance of building upon past experiences to fortify the future. The Festival of Bands serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude towards the community that holds immense significance for all involved.
This year, the parade's Grand Marshal is Neil Conrad, a former Fire Captain II for the Arcadia Fire Department, who served the Arcadia community for 30 years. Neil and his wife, both graduates of Arcadia High School, have instilled a love for music in their children. Jeremy, who graduated in 1999, and Marissa, who graduated in 2001, were both percussionists. Neil's dedication extends beyond the Arcadia Music Club, as he has been actively involved in various community programs and organizations.
The Arcadia Festival of Bands not only showcases exceptional musical talent but also fosters a sense of belonging and positivity within the community. Neil Conrad's commitment to volunteer work exemplifies the desire to contribute to something meaningful and the importance of appreciating and acknowledging the efforts of others. Congratulations to Neil, his wife Karen, and their entire family for their significant contributions.
Join us for a memorable day of musical brilliance and community spirit at the 70th Annual Arcadia Festival of Bands on November 18th, 2023. Tickets will go on sale on November 12th at 11:30 PM. Don't miss out on this extraordinary event that brings families together for a day filled with joy and entertainment.