Arcadia Festival of Bands (File Photo – ArcadiaUnified)
The Arcadia Festival of Bands (Nov. 22, 2025) has grown into one of Southern California’s premiere band reviews and holds the distinction of being the longest-running event of its kind in the state.
By News Desk
Its sustained success is a testament to the unwavering support of the City of Arcadia, the Fire and Police Departments, the Arcadia Unified School District, and local businesses. Organizers emphasize that the parade simply could not happen without their cooperation.
This year’s all-day celebration begins with the Dignitary Parade at 8:40 am, followed by the Band Review at 9:00 am along Duarte Road, east of Holly Avenue. The excitement continues at 11:40 am with the Percussion Festival at Salter Stadium at Arcadia High School, leading into the Band Review Awards Ceremony at 2:00 pm.
The evening program features the 6A Division Championship for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA). The field tournament is scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm at Citrus College in Glendora, culminating with the Awards Ceremony at 8:00 pm.
“Volunteers are the unsung heroes of our program,” said Kevin Sherrill, Band and Percussion Director at Arcadia High School. “Their tireless support ensures our students can focus on the music, and their efforts remind us how strong this community truly is.”
This year’s Grand Marshal is Maria Diaz, affectionately known as “Mama Diaz.” A longtime supporter of Arcadia’s music programs, Maria and her husband Raul raised three daughters who graduated from Arcadia High School—two of whom were members of the Color Guard and one who played clarinet. Their dedication extended far beyond cheering from the sidelines; Maria has served in countless roles over nearly three decades, including Chairperson of the Annual Spaghetti Dinner, Uniform Coordinator, head chaperone of the 1992 Apache Marching Band Australia trip, Colorguard parent liaison, Pop’s Concert Chairperson, and Music Camp chaperone. Even after her youngest daughter graduated in 1997, Maria continued her service as Souvenir Chair for the Festival, a position she still holds today.
Maria treasures her time volunteering, noting the joy of meeting new students and families who carry forward the time-honored tradition of Arcadia’s music program. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to past and present Music Directors, Advisors, and volunteers of the Band, Colorguard, Orchestra, and Choir, recognizing their tireless dedication to excellence.
The Arcadia Festival of Bands remains not only a showcase of musical talent but also a celebration of community spirit, sustained by the devotion of volunteers who make a lasting difference year after year.
Arcadia Festival of Bands November 22, 2025 Time & Locations Dignitary Parade: 8:40 am Band Review: 9:00 am along Duarte Road, east of Holly Avenu Percussion Festival at Salter Stadium at Arcadia High School: 11:40 am Band Review Awards Ceremony: 2:00 pm 6A Division Championship for SCSBOA: 4:30 pm at Citrus College in Glendora Awards Ceremony: 8:00 pm
The article states that the Arcadia Band Review activities will be on December 22. ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THE DATE? Traditionally it’s always been held on the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving. This year it would be NOVEMBER 22nd.
hi Larry,
Our intern made a mistake. We corrected it. Thank you.
this article fails to give the date of the event
Hi Aiden, it’s been updated. Thank you.