72nd Annual Arcadia Festival of Bands – Theme: Volunteers Make a Difference
The 72nd Annual Arcadia Festival of Bands (AFOB) will take place Saturday, November 22, 2025 Arcadia, CA – The Arcadia Festival of Bands has grown to be one of the premiere band reviews in Southern California and is the longest-running event of its kind in the whole state. This sustained success is due to the continued support provided by the City of Arcadia, the Fire and Police Departments, the Arcadia Unified School District, and local businesses. The parade simply would not happen without their cooperation.
The all-day event consists of the Band Review starting at 9 a.m. on Duarte Road, east of Holly Avenue, with the Dignitary Parade leading off at 8:40 a.m. The Percussion Festival starts at 11:40 a.m. at Salter Stadium at Arcadia High School followed by the Band Review Awards Ceremony at 2:00 p.m.
The evening field tournament is the 6A Division Championship for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA). Currently scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. at Citrus College in Glendora, CA followed by the Awards Ceremony at 8:00 p.m.
“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.”
Our 2025 Grand Marshal is Maria Diaz — Maria has three daughters graduated from Arcadia High School. Two of her daughters were in the AHS Color Guard team and one played clarinet. Being supportive parents meant that Maria and her husband, Raul, were not only in attendance at every parade and field competition, but also actively involved in the Music Clubs at First Ave, Dana, and AHS. Maria’s long and continuous involvement has included being the 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 for nearly 30 years. Even though her youngest daughter graduated from AHS in 1997, Maria still serves as the Souvenir Chair for the Arcadia Festival of Bands, the longest position she has held in the club. She treasures her time volunteering with the Music Club as it enables her to interact with and witness new students and their families continue the time-honored tradition of the music program.
Affectionately known as “Mama Diaz”, Maria has immense pride and love for the music program. She is ever grateful for the friendships she and her husband have attained throughout the years, the immensely talented students she has worked with, as well as the opportunity to repay a little of what her daughters received by being a part of this excellent program. Volunteers Make A Difference! Maria wishes to thank all the past and most definitely present Music Directors, Advisors, and volunteers of the Band, Colorguard, Orchestra, and Choir for working tirelessly and dedicating their time to continue to uphold the excellence of this amazing program.
Arcadia Music Club supporting the Music Program at Arcadia High School
https://sites.google.com/arcadiamusic.org/afob
Please click here for a PDF of information on the 72 Annual Festival of Bands
