Cal Poly Marching Band Returns for In-Person ‘Bandfest Returns!’ Concert and Other Performances

By Sophie Lincoln

Thursday evening, Cal Poly’s campus was once again alive with the sound of the Mustang Band practicing for their upcoming events. On October 30, the band will perform for its biggest event of this quarter, the ‘Bandfest Returns’ concert.

Biology junior and tuba player Weston Gonor said he is excited to showcase his abilities this year. “Bandfest is something we do every year. It’s to try and get all of the bands on campus to perform in one area and one venue, just kind of showcase our abilities, what we’ve been doing all quarter because we’ve been working really hard,” Gonor said.

Unlike most of the Mustang Band’s other performances, Bandfest is an indoor venue, making it a bit more complicated in terms of adhering to county health guidelines. According to Spanish junior and saxophone player Lucy Blodgett, special masks with holes have been given to the marching band members with reed instruments.

“They have our little mustang band logo and we have two of them – one without the hole and one with the whole, and this is how we play our instruments while wearing masks and being safe,” Blodgett said.

‘Bandfest Returns’ will take place the evening of Saturday, October 30 at the Performing Arts Center on campus.

All guests must show proof of either full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time. Masks will be worn by both performers and guests at all times.

Tickets can be purchased online through the Performing Arts Center, and are $10 to $20 depending on seating.