48th Annual Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands

The 48th annual Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands, San Diego County’s largest high school marching band competition, is set for Saturday, Oct. 25 at Mt. Carmel High School in Rancho Penasquitos. The tournament will showcase the music and artistic pageantry of 38 marching bands from across Southern California and will feature both parade and field show competitions. It is the largest fundraiser for the school’s music program. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Mt. Carmel Music Foundation and will be used to support the school’s band, color guard and orchestra programs. Field show performances by small bands will start at 8 a.m. at Mt. Carmel’s Sundevil Stadium, followed by a free parade band review starting at approximately 11:45 a.m. in the school’s parking lot. Field shows with large bands will start at approximately 2:45 p.m. at Sundevil Stadium. Performances will conclude with special appearances by marching bands from San Diego State University and the United States Marine Corps. Food, drink and merchandise concessions will be available throughout the day and evening. Tickets for stadium field shows and award ceremonies are $15 for students, seniors and military; $20 for adult general admission; and $35 for adult reserved. Stadium admission is free for kids age 5 and under. The school’s parking lot will not be available for public parking the day of the event, so spectators should park in the neighborhoods surrounding the school. (Photo credit: Brett Alan Photography)