At least 17 bands will perform in the marching-band extravaganza on Oct. 9. The schedule remains the same—the parade will be followed by a "drill down" competition as well as a field show in the evening. But the bands will be marching in a new direction this year.

"We are sad about the Torre Avenue change—we understand we have a lot of elderly fans living in Cupertino Chateau and we feel badly about disappointing them," says Wendy McElligott, with the organizing committee. "There's no way to say whether this change is permanent or not."

This year, the parade route will stay close to host Cupertino High School, looping participating bands around Calle De Barcelona and Miller Avenue before reaching the competition area on Stevens Creek Boulevard. The parade begins and ends at Cupertino High on Finch Avenue.

Barbara Nunes, a former Cupertino High teacher and principal and current Fremont Union High School District board member, will serve as grand marshal for the parade, which begins at 10 a.m.

The entire day serves as a fundraiser for various groups. The Cupertino High athletic boosters inaugurate a new event this year—a barbecue to run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The choir boosters also offer a continental breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. Official pins are $3, programs are $4 and tickets to the field show, which begins at 4:30 p.m., are $6.

Bands from all Fremont Union schools except Monta Vista will perform, as well as bands from other local schools such as Wilcox High School and a new entry from Vintage High School in Napa. The marching band from San José State University, with several alumni from local high schools, will also make an appearance.

This year, the competitors have more to win than bragging rights; a review committee from the Tournament of Roses Parade will attend the parade, looking for potential participants.

For more information and a full schedule, visit www.tinoband.org. Cupertino High School is located at 10100 Finch Ave.