La Costa Canyon band tells Arts Commission how ‘Bandorama’ builds musical pathways

La Costa Canyon High School band representatives described Bandorama on Thursday as a daylong celebration that brings student musicians from across the district together to rehearse, perform and build peer networks.

"Imagine hundreds of student musicians from across our community filling one gym with music," said Hannah Lockhart, a band parent who introduced the program. Presenters said the event pairs student performances with professional coaching and culminates in a combined march that reinforces discipline, teamwork and leadership.

Sarah Tobias, president of the LCC Band Boosters, told commissioners the program supports access and continuity for young musicians across feeder schools and offered participation figures. "We are able to serve all of the students that would like to come out of the over 12,300 students that are served by the district," Tobias said. She added that students from outside LCC who attended Bandorama numbered 10 in 2023, 19 last year and 23 in the current year.

Commissioners praised Bandorama’s educational benefits. "Music is a springboard for academic subjects," Commissioner George said, noting the program’s role in building confidence and long-term peer connections. Commissioners also raised questions about geographic access and related summer programming, which the presenters said they will continue to pursue.

There was no public comment and no action required; the presentation was accepted as an informational report. The Arts Commission will continue to include community-grant recipients in future meetings as part of its FY work plan.