Attention music fans! The 48th annual Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands, San Diego County’s largest high school marching band competition, will take place this Saturday at Mt. Carmel High School in Rancho Peñasquitos.
The tournament will feature 38 marching bands and more than 1,600 student performers from across Southern California, competing in both parade and field show categories. This event serves as the school music program’s largest fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit Mt. Carmel Music Foundation. The foundation supports band, color guard, and orchestra programs.
Field shows by small bands begin at 8 a.m. in Sundevil Stadium, followed by a free parade band review at 11:45 a.m. in the school parking lot. Please note that the parking lot will be closed to the public during the event, so attendees are encouraged to park in surrounding neighborhoods.
Large band field shows start at 2:45 p.m., and the evening will conclude with special performances by the San Diego State University and United States Marine Corps marching bands.
Food, drinks, and merchandise concessions will be available throughout the event to keep everyone refreshed and energized.
Admission prices are as follows:
– $15 for students, seniors, and military personnel
– $20 for general adult entry
– $35 for reserved adult seating
– Children 5 and under are admitted free
Tickets for general admission and reserved seating may be purchased in advance or on the day of the event.
Sponsors of this year’s battle of bands program include The Tanakaya Family, the U.S. Marine Corps in the 12th District, Jimbo’s, Bertrand’s Music & Lessons, and more.
For more information, please visit www.mchsmusic.org/tournament. Don’t miss this exciting celebration of marching band talent in San Diego County!
https://timesofsandiego.com/arts/2025/10/20/san-diego-countys-largest-high-school-marching-band-competition/