About Us
Our Story
The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra had its origins in the Chula Vista Community Band, which formed in July, 1996 with a group of 7 to 14 musicians. Over the years we have evolved several times, and since a complete reorganization in 2004, under the direction of Bob Tutelman, the group has grown to about forty musicians.
In 2012, we achieved 501(c)3 status with the corporate identity of The Moonlight Serenade Orchestra Foundation.
Our Identity
We are first and foremost a Big Band in the style of the 1930's and 1940's. We are a dance band, not a stage band. We have no "professional" musicians – individuals earning a living by performing – but we strive to make a professional presentation. We have a passion for this music and we try to pass that passion along to our audience.
Our Influences
Our repertoire is structured around the classic Big Band sounds of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Les Brown, Stan Kenton, Les & Larry Elgart, and Harry James. We also appreciate later artists like Buddy Rich, Michael Bublé, and Billy Joel. Our Latin book leans heavily on Antônio Carlos Jobim and Tito Puente. And we're not above spicing a set up with some rock, disco, or even a polka!