Arcadia celebrated its 68th annual Arcadia Festival of Bands on Nov. 20. This mesmerizing performance was composed of many parts, including the morning band review, mid-morning percussion festival, and the evening championship field show. 40 high school bands and color guards from the Southern California region attended the show, providing an amazing blend of music and performance. 

The festival began at 8:40 a.m. with dignitaries, and the performances began at 9:00 a.m., leading with Arcadia High School (AHS). AHS was followed by the Arcadia middle schools, including First Ave Middle School (FAMS), Foothills Middle School (FMS), and Dana Middle School (DMS). 

Though the Arcadia bands were not allowed to compete in the competition itself, our talented AHS marching band still exhibited their musical prowess. AHS ended with a marching and maneuvering score of 187, a music score of 475.5, and a showmanship score of 277. Performing a mesmerizing rendition of Karl L. King’s “War March of the Tartars,” AHS averaged out to a net score of 93.95. 

FMS went first, collecting a marching and maneuvering score of 200, a music score of 0, and a showmanship score of 0. After performing “Let the Flag of Freedom Wave” by James Swearingen, FMS averaged a score of 20.

FAMS followed shortly after, earning a marching and maneuvering score of 175, a music score of 374.5, and a showmanship score of 219. After performing “Flying Cadets” by K.L. King, FAMS averaged a score of 76.85.

DMS finished out the Arcadia Schools, ending with a marching and maneuvering score of 181, a music score of 409, and a showmanship score of 224. After performing “The Alamo King” by K.L. King, DMS averaged a score of 81.4.

All in all, Arcadia marching band and color guard did a great job performing at the 68th annual Arcadia Festival of Bands.  

Photo courtesy of COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG