History

In 1971, a recent graduate of Villa Park High School, (Denis Finnegan) approached his former Villa Park High School band director (Mr. Randall Coleman) with the request to form a community band. With the assistance of Andy Andresen the band director at Orange High School, a band was assembled and a summer concert series initiated.

When the summer series ended Dr. Gary Lester approached Mr. Coleman with the request that the band continue year round. Dr. Lester appeared before the Orange City Council. He presented a proposal for funding of this band program and the proposal was granted by the city council for several years.  A publicity campaign was started with the Los Angeles Times and The Orange County Register newspapers to encourage adult membership enrollment and audience attendance.

The Concert Band and Swing Band have performed throughout the Southland at many venues, including concerts in the park, weddings, anniversaries, theater concerts, dances, celebrations, private parties, etc.

The band was a college class for several years, but now has no sponsorship. It is now a Public Benefit (501) (c) (3) non-profit corporation dependent on donations from fans of the band. It consists of “The Orange County Concert Band” and “The Orange County Swing Band”, with Dr. Suzanne Gindin as our conductor.

This is the oldest and most experienced concert band in Orange County and it has a long tradition of providing extraordinary entertainment for its audiences.