About Coronado Concert Band

Coronado CARES is a local nonprofit dedicated to protecting homeless and unadoptable animals while helping pet owners keep the animals they love. Through compassionate care, education, and accessible resources, we proudly serve Coronado and Imperial Beach—working every day to make a meaningful difference for animals and our community.

The Coronado Concert Band is rooted in the simple idea: bringing people together through music.

As a volunteer ensemble, the band brings together musicians from across the community—each with different backgrounds and experiences—united by a shared commitment to creating meaningful, high-quality performances.

Since its founding in 1997, the Coronado Concert Band has become a consistent presence in the community, offering free concerts that reflect the rhythm of life in Coronado—from outdoor performances in Spreckels Park and seasonal celebrations like the Fourth of July and the Village Tree Lighting, to civic events such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day, as well as performances beyond Coronado at venues like Balboa Park. Each performance is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and rooted in a shared sense of community.

Photography by Joel Ortiz Photography

Who we are

The Coronado Concert Band is made possible by its volunteer musicians and guided by a dedicated board whose leadership helps sustain its mission and role in the community.

Phil Imming

President

Kathleen McCabe

Treasurer

Merissa Corey

Board Member

Scott Helmers

Board Member

Susan Levy

Board Member

Stephen Lockwood

Board Member

Robert Semo

Board Member

Fred Lee

Frederick Lee has been the band’s Music Director since 1998. A highly awarded career conductor and music educator with over 40 years of experience, he continues to challenge the musicians with an ever expanding and exciting repertoire. He has conducted student and community ensembles throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Costa Rica, and Europe, and since 2022 has been director of the Band at the Beach music camp in San Diego.

Meet our Musical Director

Musical Director

Our History

Founded in 1997 by graduates of the Coronado High School music program, the Coronado Concert Band began as a way for musicians to continue playing together beyond an annual reunion. What started as a small gathering quickly grew into a dedicated ensemble united by a shared love of music and community.

Over the years, the band has evolved into a vibrant, volunteer-driven group that performs throughout the year for audiences across Coronado. Today, the Coronado Concert Band continues its mission of making live music accessible to all while fostering connection, collaboration, and a strong sense of community through every performance.