If you have ever been shushed by a librarian while practicing your trumpet or politely asked to close the window by neighbors while sawing away on a cello, your moment has finally arrived. The Coronado Terrible Orchestra is officially recruiting for its 2026 winter season, and they aren't looking for virtuosos. In fact, if you tend to miss a note or two (or twenty), you might just be the first chair material they need.

The Symphony of Squeaks Returns to Coronado

In a town known for its pristine beaches and polished military precision, a different kind of regiment is forming at the Coronado Community Center. The Coronado Terrible Orchestra (CTO) has issued a clarion call—likely slightly out of tune—for new members to join its ranks starting January 28, 2026. This isn't your typical high-stakes ensemble where a conductor glares at you over rimless spectacles. Instead, it is a self-proclaimed "safe space" for the enthusiastic, the rusty, and the unapologetically mediocre.

Founded by flute teacher Cassie O'Hanlon and inspired by the famous Fort Wayne Terrible Orchestra, the group has become a viral local news sensation for flipping the script on classical music culture. The goal isn't Carnegie Hall; it's community, laughter, and the shared joy of making music, however messy it may be.

No Auditions, Just Ambition (and a Music Stand)

One of the most daunting aspects of joining a musical group is the terrifying terrible orchestra auditions process. The CTO has completely eliminated this hurdle. "We do not believe in auditions," the group's manifesto proudly declares. "We believe in showing up, being silly, and playing your instrument."

However, there are a few ground rules for this bad musicians club. While perfection is discouraged, basic competency is required to keep the chaos organized. Prospective members for the 2026 season must:

  • Be an adult (18 years or older).
  • Provide their own instrument and a portable music stand.
  • Be able to read sheet music (basic proficiency is fine).
  • Have about one year of experience (or past experience, even if it was decades ago).

"If you can read a staff and you aren't afraid of the occasional squeak, you have a home here," says O'Hanlon. It is the perfect setup for those dusty clarinets sitting in closets and violins that haven't seen rosin since the Clinton administration.

A Judgement-Free Zone for Musical Mishaps

The ethos of this weird community group is simple: progress over perfection. In traditional orchestras, a wrong note can induce panic. In the Coronado Terrible Orchestra, it often induces laughter. The group explicitly markets itself as a place where "wrong" notes are met with giggles rather than glares.

This approach has resonated deeply with Coronado residents. Many adults stop playing instruments because they lack a low-pressure environment to practice. The gap between "playing alone in a bedroom" and "joining a community band" can feel like a canyon. The CTO bridges that gap, offering a six-week session where the only expectation is that you try.

Logistics for the Enthusiastically Bad

Ready to join the noise? The new six-week session kicks off on Wednesday, January 28, and runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Rehearsals take place at the Coronado Community Center, a venue brave enough to host the sonic experiments.

The cost for the session is a steal compared to private lessons: $80 for Coronado residents and $105 for non-residents. Registration is currently open through the community center's website or by phone, but spots tend to fill up as word of this funny local news California phenomenon spreads.

Why ‘Terrible’ is the New Excellent

In a high-pressure world, the Coronado Terrible Orchestra offers something rare: permission to be bad at something you love. Whether you are a "recovering" high school band geek or an adult learner tired of playing "Hot Cross Buns" to an empty room, this is your chance to be part of something bigger.

As Coronado news 2026 headlines go, this is certainly the most harmonious—in spirit, if not in sound. So dust off that trombone, grease that slide, and prepare to make some magnificent mistakes. The orchestra is waiting, and for once, you don't need to practice 40 hours a day to fit right in.