201812.30
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Bandfest truly brings ‘The Melody of Life’ early to Pasadena

by in News

Music filled Pasadena City College’s Robinson Stadium this weekend as the marching bands performing in Tuesday’s Tournament of Roses Parade played for sold-out audiences.

The 39th Annual Bandfest featured 20 marching bands across Saturday and Sunday. Bands came from near and far, including from Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Canada, Sweden and Japan.

One of the highlights of the weekend was when the Mercer Island High School Marching Band and Banda Escolar de Guayanilla gave a joint performance. Both performed in the 2012 Rose Parade; two weeks after both were notified they also would be in the 2019 parade, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico.

  • A member of Banda Escolar de Guayanilla , left, plays alongside Mercer Island High School Marching Band during a join performance on day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Cori Bostic, the first female drum major for Florida A&M University Marching Band during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

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  • Florida A&M University Marching Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Cori Bostic, the first female drum major for Florida A&M University Marching Band during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Banda Escolar de Guayanilla performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Florida A&M University Marching Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Cori Bostic, the first female drum major for Florida A&M University Marching Band during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Florida A&M University Marching Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Banda Escolar de Guayanilla performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Banda Escolar de Guayanilla performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Florida A&M University Marching Band lines up before performing during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Florida A&M University Marching Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Florida A&M University Marching Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • A member of Banda Escolar de Guayanilla , left, plays alongside Mercer Island High School Marching Band during a join performance on day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • A drum major for Banda Escolar de Guayanilla during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • A member of Mercer Island High School’s trombone section from Washington performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Mercer Island High School performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Mercer Island High School performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Banda Escolar de Guayanilla from Puerto Rico performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • A member of Banda Escolar de Guayanilla remover her hat before a performance during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Cavalcade of Bands Honor Band from Pennsylvania perform during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Cavalcade of Bands Honor Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Cavalcade of Bands Honor Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Marching Band fans gathered at Pasadena City College for day two of Bandfest to watch the musicians performing in the 130th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Marching Band fans gathered at Pasadena City College for day two of Bandfest to watch the musicians performing in the 130th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Members of the front ensemble of Lincoln-Way Marching Band from Illinois perform during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Flower Mound High School Marching Band of Texas performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Marching Band fans gathered at Pasadena City College for day two of Bandfest to watch the musicians performing in the 130th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • One of the drum majors for Lincoln-Way Marching Band from Illinois during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Flower Mound High School Marching Band of Texas performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Flower Mound High School Marching Band from Texas performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Marching Band fans gathered at Pasadena City College for day two of Bandfest to watch the musicians performing in the 130th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Lincoln-Way Marching Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Pasadena City College Honor Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Pasadena City College Honor Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Pasadena City College Honor Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Pasadena City College Honor Band rounds the corner as they kickoff day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Arcadia High School’s drumline performs during the pre-show at day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Banda Municipal de Acosta from San Jose, Costa Rica performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena on Saturday December 29, 2018. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)

  • All-Izumo Honor Green Band from Japan performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Kaiser Catamount Pride Band & Color Guard of Fontana performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Royal Swedish Cadet Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Royal Swedish Cadet Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Kaiser Catamount Pride Band & Color Guard of Fontana performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • All-Izumo Honor Green Band from Japan performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • All-Izumo Honor Green Band from Japan performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Kaiser Catamount Pride Band & Color Guard of Fontana performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Royal Swedish Cadet Band performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Mumford High School Band from Tennessee performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Kaiser Catamount Pride Band & Color Guard of Fontana performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • All-Izumo Honor Green Band from Japan performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • All-Izumo Honor Green Band from Japan performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Kaiser Catamount Pride Band & Color Guard of Fontana performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Mumford High School Band from Tennessee performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Mumford High School Band from Tennessee performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Calgary Stampede Showband from Canada performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Calgary Stampede Showband from Canada performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Mumford High School Band from Tennessee performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Calgary Stampede Showband from Canada performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Alabama State University Might Marching Hornets performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Alabama State University Might Marching Hornets performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Calgary Stampede Showband from Canada performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • The Calgary Stampede Showband from Canada performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Alabama State University Might Marching Hornets performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

  • Alabama State University Might Marching Hornets performs during day two of Bandfest at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Photo by Trevor Stamp, Contributing Photographer)

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Joined by several other high schools, Mercer Island High band members took it upon themselves to help Banda Escolar de Guayanilla make it to Pasadena, raising more than $50,000 for the band and donating equipment and other items to them.

Watch Sunday’s streams of Bandfest 2 and Bandfest 3 below and to see photos and videos from Bandfest 1, click here.