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The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra
August 13 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
See the Band Social Media Page HERE
The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra is an all-volunteer, non-profit big band based in San Diego, California. Operating under the Moonlight Serenade Orchestra Foundation, the 40+ member musical ensemble specializes in performing authentic dance music and classic standards from the Big Band Era of the 1930s and 1940s. [1, 2, 3]
Band Profile & Repertoire
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- Musical Style: Primarily sweet and swing sounds honoring legends like Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington. [1, 3, 4]
- Versatility: The band also incorporates Latin rhythms, waltzes, polkas, and occasional vintage rock or disco tracks into their live sets to accommodate ballroom dancers. [1, 2]
- Live Lineup: While the foundation has dozens of rotating volunteers, their standard live performance configuration features roughly 17 instrumentalists alongside male and female vocal soloists. []
- History: The orchestra originally evolved out of the Chula Vista Community Band established in 1996. Following a full reorganization in 2004, they later achieved official 501(c)3 non-profit status in 2012. [1]
Frequent San Diego Venues [1]
The orchestra maintains a busy regional performance calendar, regularly headlining public concerts and social dances across San Diego County: [1]
- Champion Ballroom: Hosts recurring Friday night ballroom dances featuring the orchestra, typically from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with admission around $15 per person.
- Coronado Ferry Landing: A frequent venue for their free, family-friendly outdoor weekend concert series held right by the bay.
- Spreckels Organ Pavilion: The band regularly features in Balboa Park’s popular free “Twilight in the Park” summer concert series. [, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8]
Booking & Auditions
For booking inquiries, event updates, or musician audition requirements, the ensemble can be reached directly via their official website at The MSO, through email at msosandiego@gmail.com, or by phone at (858) 566-2335.