Mesa Community College hosts inaugural Thunderbird Marching Classic Saturday

Mesa Community College and the Arizona Marching Band Association are hosting the inaugural Thunderbird Marching Classic Saturday, Oct. 18.

It will be held 3:30-10 p.m. in the John D. Riggs Stadium on MCC’s Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave. in Mesa.

“We are excited to bring the pageantry of the high school marching band back to Mesa Community College,” MCC Director of Instrumental Music John Davenport said in a release. “The Thunderbird Marching Classic is an opportunity to showcase the amazing talent and musicianship of marching bands from around the Valley.”

The family-friendly event kicks off with the National Anthem performed by MCC’s Brass Quintet, followed by a full schedule of performances from 21 high school marching bands from across Arizona.

The festival concludes with an awards ceremony, hosted by MCC President Richard Daniel, honoring the outstanding musical skill, talent and athleticism of students from around the Valley.

Proceeds from the Thunderbird Marching Classic will benefit MCC’s Summer Music Camp, helping reduce the cost for every high school student who wants to participate, explained Davenport.

General admission tickets are $14. Details are available at mesacc.edu/events.

Learn more about MCC’s Instrumental Music program at mesacc.edu/departments/music-dance/instrumental-music.