With punchy percussion and blaring brass, a 45-year Cupertino High School tradition carries on.
Since 1970, the Cupertino Tournament of Bands has gathered marching bands from far and wide to compete in a day filled with excitement and music. This year, the tournament, held on Oct. 10, will host more than 20 high schools and two middle schools and include a parade, a field show and a “drill down,” a competition for marching and timing.
“Looking back at the Cupertino Tournament of Bands are great memories,” said Craig Slama, who participated in Cupertino High band from 1978 to 1982. “There were not a lot of marching competitions in the ’70s, and we had bands come from all over to participate. A lot of memories were made for a lot of people over the last 45 years. I had the opportunity to work with some amazing people.”
New memories will be made this year when the annual parade begins at 9:15 a.m. at Calle de Barcelona and Miller Avenue in Cupertino. The competition portion of the parade will be held on Stevens Creek Boulevard, east of Miller Avenue.
Many of the high schools competing are from the area, including Homestead, Fremont and Lynbrook, but some bands are coming from as far away as Los Baños High School, North Monterey County High School and Cesar Chavez High School in Stockton.
“Tournament of Bands provides participating students the opportunity to meet and compete against other band students from different areas. The commitment that is required to be part of a marching band is significant,” said Shana Billings, former Band Booster president and band parent who also competed in Tournament of Bands when she attended CHS. “They all understand what it takes and enjoy the opportunity to meet other like-minded students. Being part of a marching band tends to be one of the most memorable experiences of high school.”
Participating bands can enter the parade section or the field competition, or both. Bands will perform for 13 judges and be scored based on showmanship, marching and maneuvering and music performance.
The parade, which is open to the public and free for all spectators, will conclude around 11 a.m., and the “drill down” competition will be held at the Cupertino High stadium from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Parade awards will be presented at 1 p.m.
Admission to the field show competition, which is at the stadium at 4:30 p.m., is $10. The awards ceremony will be at 8:30 p.m..
Billings said the tournament provides a unique experience not only for the participants but for the community.
“This event provides the opportunity for bands to travel to Cupertino and spend time in our community,” she said. “For the people in our community, it offers the opportunity to be exposed to marching band and parade and field show competitions. Many people have never had this chance and it gives them and their children a look, possibly inspiring students to become involved.”
Billings added that the more people that attend, the better the experience for students.
“We are working on encouraging greater band attendance to the parade and field show as well as encouraging spectators to attend,” she said. “It is a wonderful way to come together as a community and support a local music program while having a great day with our families.”
The event attracts attendees and volunteers from past years. Denise Moffett, former band parent and TOB volunteer, was parade grand marshal a few years ago because of her work with the ‘Tino band.
“Tournament of Bands brings high school musicians together for a day of fun, competition and recognition for their hard work,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for high school musicians to show their talents. They learn to play well with others and it is a life experience.”
For more information, visit chs.fuhsd.org/TOB.
