MESA, Arizona – September 24, 2025 – Mesa Community College (MCC) and the Arizona Marching Band Association (AzMBA) are proud to host the second annual Thunderbird Marching Classic, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, in the John D. Riggs Stadium on MCC’s Southern and Dobson Campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave.
“We are excited to welcome the Thunderbird Marching Classic and its incredible musical energy back to Mesa Community College,” said MCC Director of Instrumental Music John Davenport. “Last year’s event was a huge success, bringing the art of marching band to MCC and our community.”
The festival is currently set to showcase performances from more than 25 high school marching bands from across Arizona, as well as an Individual and Ensemble Competition (I&E) taking place from 7 a.m.-noon at the MCC Performing Arts Center.
Proceeds from the Thunderbird Marching Classic will benefit MCC’s 2027 Summer Music Camp, helping to reduce the cost for high school students wishing to participate.
Thunderbird Marching Classic general admission tickets are $15. Details are available at mesacc.edu/events.
Learn more about MCC’s Instrumental Music program and Summer Music Camp at mesacc.edu/departments/music-dance/instrumental-music.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, [email protected], 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 23,000 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 5,677 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/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.