Bandfest, a booming, two-day celebration of Rose Parade marching bands, kicks off ...Middle East

The glory of marching in the Rose Parade is certainly a memorable experience, but for many young band performers the chance to strut their stuff at Bandfest can be even more fun.

The 45th-annual Bandfest, a two-day tour de force of those 19 topnotch marching bands that will trek the legendary parade route on New Year’s Day, kicked off Monday with a rhythmic boom and a blast of brass at Pasadena City College’s Robinson Stadium.

“It is not a competition but a celebration of talent from throughout the country, as well as the world,” declared Jim Hahn, music advisor for the Tournament of Roses.

He said that when hundreds of bands tryout to participate in the parade, the weeding out process is stringent and very hard to pass. Bandfest, however, along with giving performers from around the world this chance to interact with other bands and watch their shows, also lets each group demonstrate their complete visual and performance work beyond just marching in the parade.

“It allows the bands to perform their field shows and that is part of their application process as well,” Hahn said. “They’re all different styles from whatever region they’re from, which adds to the entertainment value.”

“We’re so honored that they’re here,” he said. “I get to work with, and they get to work with, the best and the brightest from around the world.”

For the first time this year The Sound Of Brownsburg — the 200-piece marching band from the high school in Brownsburg, Indiana — is taking part. A nationally recognized ensemble, it first began in 1918 and most recently did an appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade two years ago.

“It’s pretty exciting, everyone coming together, no matter where you’re from, and everyone is just nice to each other,” said Ava Kello, a senior and marimba player from Brownsburg High School.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Ava said. “Hanging out with my friends, making memories, and most of all my family is here.”

Her mother, Amy Russell, described the thrill and adventure of the entire journey to get to the Rose Parade and Bandfest, which for her and her children included driving across the country this week for the experience.

“The drive here was surreal,” Amy Russell said. “The scenery, the change in landscapes — it was something we’ll never do again.”

The entire journey has been a literal family affair for them, with her husband, Mike Russell, driving one of the large trucks out that contained some of the band’s equipment. Her oldest daughter, Natalie Kello, is a color guard director in the program, while her youngest, Lydia, performs with Brownsburg’s color guard.

Along with side trips to Disneyland, Universal Studios, and the Farmer’s Market, Amy Russell said the most important part is the band getting to do its full show. She also emphasized that none of this would be possible had not the community of Brownsburg stepped up to help fund the trip.

“It’s amazing how much the community put in to getting us here,” she said, noting that at a cost of $3,600 per student, there was a lot needed to cover the difference and a last-minute community fundraiser made it happen. “They covered what we needed to get here.”

Closer to home, members of both the Pasadena City College Herald Trumpets and Tournament of Roses Honor Band were happy to have a pre-parade event to bring them all together.

“It’s exciting,” said Alfredo Garcia of La Fuente, who has played trumpet in the honor band for three years. “It’s always a blast to watch other bands and perform for such an amazing crowd. I think the people is what makes the show good.”

Garcia also enjoys the camaraderie between band members, many of whom trade pins with one another from their respective bands. He said the band itself, too, becomes a very tight-knit group, given the many hours they spend together getting prepared.

“That’s what gets you through it,” Garcia said, “having other people.”

His brother, Justin Garcia, who plays trumpet with the herald group, agreed.

“We’ve gotten so close,” he said of his bandmates. “Since the beginning of November we’ve gotten to know each other and see each other. We have a bond that’s like no other.”

Bandfest continues Tuesday with two performances at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sponsored by Remo, Inc., the company’s drumheads are one of the key visual features of the event.

Robert Shen, president at Remo, was excited to take part in another Bandfest.

“It’s an unbelievable privilege and honor for me and Remo, Inc., to donate all the drumheads that every marching band will be playing,” he said. “We couldn’t be any prouder of our partnership and association in bringing America’s New Year Celebration to countless people around the world.”

Jarret Liotta is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and photographer.

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