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CFSD Bands: Building Community Through Music

Posted Date: 10/29/25 (6:00 PM)
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Photos by Cory Walavich
On Friday night, middle school musicians from Esperero Canyon and Orange Grove joined the Catalina Foothills High School Falcon Marching Band for an evening of music, mentorship, and community. This annual event brings together 7th and 8th grade band students to perform alongside the high school marching band, offering a firsthand look at what it means to be part of the largest marching band in Arizona. Playing together creates a welcoming pathway to high school, builds a sense of belonging, and connects younger students with older peers who model dedication and teamwork. 
The CFSD band program is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students. The CFHS Falcon Marching Band has been recognized as the largest marching band in the state for over 20 years. The high school’s band program is the most comprehensive band program in the state and includes four concert bands—among them, the Wind Ensemble, which consistently earns Superior with Distinction ratings—as well as Jazz Band, Jazz Combos, and Small Ensembles. CFHS musicians regularly represent the district at the Regional Honor Band, Arizona All-State Band, and the State Solo & Ensemble Festival.
The Falcon Band has also shared its talents across the nation and around the world, performing in California, Hawaii, New York, London, China, and Australia. They have played in the 2023 Rose Parade and twice in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Pathway to Performance

In CFSD, band is available as an after-school activity starting in fifth grade. For middle school students who choose band as their elective, they receive band instruction during the school day. Each year, middle school band students participate in four evening concerts—three at their schools and one at CFHS—culminating in a combined performance with the Falcon Marching Band.Last week’s collaboration showcased that connection, as students from ECMS and OGMS joined the high school musicians to perform The Star-Spangled Banner and experience the thrill of a live marching show under the lights as the CFHS Falcon Marching Band performed Belle Mecanique. At the Dobson Invitational last Saturday, the CFHS Falcon Marching Band recently earned the highest score of the day in both Music Performance and Visual Performance, finishing in second place overall.

See the Falcon Band in Action

Fans can catch the band’s next performance of Belle Mecanique at UArizona Band Day on Saturday, November 1, when the Falcon Marching Band takes the field at approximately 8:15 p.m. in Arizona Stadium, with awards announced at 9:30 p.m.