“We are excited to bring the pageantry of the high school marching band back to Mesa Community College,” said MCC Director of Instrumental Music John Davenport. “The Thunderbird Marching Classic is an opportunity to showcase the amazing talent and musicianship of marching bands from around the Valley.”

This family-friendly event kicks off with the National Anthem performed by MCC’s Brass Quintet, followed by a full schedule of performances from 21 high school marching bands from across Arizona. 

The festival concludes with an awards ceremony, hosted by MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel, honoring the outstanding musical skill, talent and athleticism of students from around the Valley.

Proceeds from the Thunderbird Marching Classic will benefit MCC’s Summer Music Camp, helping reduce the cost for every high school student who wants to participate, explained Davenport.

General admission tickets are $14. Details are available at mesacc.edu/events.

Learn more about MCC’s Instrumental Music program at mesacc.edu/departments/music-dance/instrumental-music. 

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892.

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroomhttps://www.mesacc.edu/about/institutional-advancement/media-relations/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.