The One More Time Around Again Marching Band (OMTAAMB) is a vibrant demonstration of how music transcends age and time, proving that once you’re a band nerd, you’re always a band nerd.
Comprising nearly 400 performers, the band is a beloved fixture at the Portland Rose Festival, notably showcased in both the Starlight and Grand Floral Parades.
As it enters its 41st season, the band is a remarkable blend of former high school, collegiate, and military members, showcasing a spirit of joy and camaraderie that enriches the local community.
At the helm of this enthusiastic group is band director Tawnya Garcia, whose connection to her musicians runs deep.
Garcia has dedicated decades to teaching music in the Portland area and received the prestigious Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation award in 2011.
With a striking teal hair color that matches this year’s band uniforms, Garcia embraces her role as a conductor with enthusiasm.
“Leading this band feels like a full-circle moment,” Garcia expressed.
She finds it particularly heartwarming to see former students in both the band and the dance team.
“Music is something you truly can enjoy your whole life,” she added, emphasizing the lifelong passion that unites the performers.
Among the participants is first-year trumpeter Chris Conti, who fondly remembers Garcia as his music teacher in high school.
After a 25-year hiatus from playing the trumpet, Conti described his return as “coming home” and likened it to being “reacquainted with an old friend.”
The commitment required for OMTAAMB members is relatively brief; auditions take place in mid-March, and the performance season runs from April to June’s Grand Floral Parade.
Nicole Hagen, who has played the trumpet with the band for 16 years and currently serves as the band president, appreciates the laid-back nature of the group.
“I played in high school, moved away for college, and when I came back, I joined the band,” Hagen reflected with a smile.
Her goal as president is to ensure that everyone is having fun.
“Even in high school, band was really competitive,” she noted.
“I love the idea that this band is just about fun.”
Fun extends beyond just the musicians; OMTAAMB includes color guard, a dance team, and majorettes like Marcy Tuffli.
“I’ve been with this band about 21 years,” Tuffli proudly shared, showcasing the love she has for the group.
With sequined wrist guards adorning her arms and bows on her sneakers, Tuffli’s joy is palpable as she tells her story.
“I thought it would be fun, so I didn’t tell a soul and I just joined and surprised the family,” she laughed, reminiscing about how surprising it must have been for her relatives when she broke her news in her mid-70s.
“I turned 93 yesterday,” she proclaimed, reflecting on the lengthy hiatus she took from twirling a baton after high school to raise her family.
Many band members celebrate the friendships and connections fostered through OMTAAMB, including dancer Allison Ziarnik, who is in her ninth season.
“I was a dancer at Parkrose High School and loved being a part of that camaraderie,” said Ziarnik.
“I found that sense of community again all these years later.”
For her, having the opportunity to share this experience with Garcia—who was also her band director in both elementary and high school—makes it all the more special.
“This is the best, most full-circle moment I could ever wish for,” she concluded.
image source from：https://www.opb.org/article/2025/06/07/portlands-cross-generational-marching-band-returns-for-a-full-circle-moment-at-rose-festival-parades/
