James Smith
James Smith is currently in his first year as Director of Bands of the Coronado Band. Previously he was the Director of Percussion for the Sherman Independent School District in Sherman, Texas. Under his leadership, the percussion program has seen success at the local and state levels and has become a group of national recognition.
From 2009-2011 James Smith was on the percussion staff with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. While with the Blue Knights, Mr. Smith primarily worked with the snare line as well as assisting with caption head responsibilities. Other teaching experience includes assisting DCI Hall of Fame member Thomas Hannum with the UMass pit and Spring marching percussion techniques class. James also taught the Spirit of America Indoor Drumline and the New Mexico State University Drumline.
Mr. Smith received his Master's degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from New Mexico State University. James has studied with Thomas Hannum, Eduardo Leandro, Dr. Fred Bugbee, Dr. Blake Tyson, Pat Amann, Jeff Ausdemore, and Jeff Cornelius. Mr. Smith is proud to endorse Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets and Majestic/Mapex Musical Instruments. James currently resides in El Paso with his wife Monika and his daughter Annabella.
From 2009-2011 James Smith was on the percussion staff with the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps. While with the Blue Knights, Mr. Smith primarily worked with the snare line as well as assisting with caption head responsibilities. Other teaching experience includes assisting DCI Hall of Fame member Thomas Hannum with the UMass pit and Spring marching percussion techniques class. James also taught the Spirit of America Indoor Drumline and the New Mexico State University Drumline.
Mr. Smith received his Master's degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from New Mexico State University. James has studied with Thomas Hannum, Eduardo Leandro, Dr. Fred Bugbee, Dr. Blake Tyson, Pat Amann, Jeff Ausdemore, and Jeff Cornelius. Mr. Smith is proud to endorse Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets and Majestic/Mapex Musical Instruments. James currently resides in El Paso with his wife Monika and his daughter Annabella.
Jessica Shin
Jessica Shin is the Associate Director of Bands and Director of Woodwind Studies at Coronado High School. Her duties include directing the Thunderbird Marching Band, Jazz Band 1, Symphonic Band, Chamber Program, and various woodwind ensembles including the Coronado Clarinet Choir. She is also the Head Director of the Music Theory and International Baccalaureate Music programs at Coronado High School. Ms. Shin has earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Master's degree in Instrumental Conducting from New Mexico State University. She is a native El Pasoan and is an active free-lance clarinetist for the Southwest Area and performs with the El Paso Wind Symphony and the El Paso Clarinet Quartet. She is also a member of the Texas Bandmaster's Association, the Women Band Directors International and the Texas Music Educators Association. She resides in El Paso, Texas and enjoys spending time with her family, church family and dog, Melody.
Katy Andrade
Katy Andrade is the Associate Director of Bands and the Director of Brass Studies at Coronado High School. Her duties include directing the Thunderbird Marching Band, Jazz Band 2, the Concert Band, various chamber ensembles including the Horn Choir and sponsoring the Legacy Color Guard. Ms. Andrade received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Horn Performance from the University of Texas at El Paso. She is a native El Pasoan and is the principal Horn for the El Paso Winds. She has also performed with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and the Roswell Symphony Orchestra.
Veronica Fuentes
Veronica Fuentes is the Director of the Thunderettes Dance/Drill Team. The Thunderettes perform with the Coronado Marching Band, joining with the Legacy ColorGuard to form Harmony. During the fall, the Thunderettes perform drill pieces during the football games and perform at all home varsity boys and girls basketball games. During the spring, they compete against other dance teams in the city. Mrs. Fuentes received her degree from Texas Tech University, where she was a proud member of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland. She is the mother of 4 girls and 1 boy...3 of which performed with the Coronado band as a Thunderette, a flute player, and a percussionist.
