Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands Set for Oct. 26

The 47th annual Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands, one of Southern California’s largest and oldest high school marching band competitions, is set for Saturday, Oct. 26 at Mt. Carmel High School in Rancho Penasquitos.

The tournament will showcase the music and artistic pageantry of 30 high school marching bands from across Southern California and will feature both parade and field show competitions. Field show performances by small bands will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mt. Carmel’s Sundevil Stadium, followed by a free parade band review from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the school’s parking lot. Field shows with large bands are planned from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sundevil Stadium, concluding with a special performance by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. Food, drink and merchandise concessions will be available throughout the day and evening.

Tickets for the field shows can be purchased the day of the tournament at the stadium ticket window. General admission prices are $15 for adults; $12 for students, seniors and military; and free for children 5 and under. Reserved seating in the stadium’s center section is available for $25 and can be purchased either the day of the event, or in advance at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-mt-carmel-tournament-of-bands-reserved-seating-tickets-1005237220587. Tickets include admission to both the morning and afternoon/evening field shows, as well as for all award presentations.

Mt. Carmel High School is located at 9550 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego 92129. 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.

The tournament is the single-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. For more information, visit www.mchsbandtournament.com or email tournament@mchsmusic.org.