Even though the line was long to enter the Tournament of Rose’s Bandfest Day 1 at Pasadena City College on Friday, Dec. 29, spirits were high as many looked forward to the annual showcase of Rose Parade marching bands.
And the bands, selected by the Tournament to march in the Jan. 1 Rose Parade, did not disappoint in this sneak peek of their prowess.
On the bill Friday was Banda Municipal de Zarcero (Costa Rica), The BOSS (Bands of Santiago Sharks) (Corona, Calif.), Na Koa Ali’i’ Hawaii All State Marching Band, Pasadena City College Herald Trumpets, the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band, the Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band, the West Chester University “INCOMPARABLE” Golden Rams Marching Band (Pa.), and the William Mason High School Marching Band (Ohio).
The arrival of the Hawaii All State Marching Band came after a challenging year for some of its members, still recovering from the Aug. 8 fire in Maui that killed at least 100 people and destroyed more than 2,000 buildings.
They were set to perform at Disneyland on Saturday.
As the sun started to set on the feild, Polynesian fa’aumu calls, “CHEEEHOOO!” filled the air and the Na Koa Ali’i – Hawaii’s All State Marching Band – welcomed the crowd to experience their blend of Polynesian culture and percussion.
The performers’ green Haku lei’s on their brow and wrists, paired with traditional grass skirts and floral shirts. The band’s rainbow formation symbolized the performers coming together from across the Hawaiian Islands.
For those more local to Pasadena, the moment was just as meaningful.
Bruce Nixon and Martin Jurquin have watched their godson, Matthew Abutaha, perform in the three Rose Parades.
Abutaha fell in love with band performance as a student at San Gabriel High School and even chose to attend Pasadena City College to continue marching down that 5.5-mile route on Colorado.
“It became kind of his like his ‘thing’ to be marching as…
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