He says marching band rehearsals at 6 p.m. and even 6 a.m., rather than right after school at 3 p.m., are pretty standard in the Phoenix metro area.

Metallica announced Monday 'For Whom the Band Tolls,' its inaugural marching band competition. The contest is open to high school and collegiate programs.

Dionne Randolph has curated the marching band lineup for the Krewe of Muses, the all-female group that hosts the popular parade, for 25 years. For her, Carnival is a restorative time.