Maria Coronado is in her 9th year as Associate Band Director at Harlingen High School. Prior to coming to Harlingen, she was band director for ten years at Morris Middle School in McAllen, Texas. Maria received her Bachelor of Music Education from McNeese St. University in Lake Charles, La. While at McNeese, Maria studied trumpet with Dr. Michael Ewald, currently Professor of Trumpet at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne. In addition to performing with numerous ensembles at McNeese, Maria was a member of the Lake Charles Symphony and the Rapides Symphony in Alexandria, La. Maria also studied jazz education with Rick Condit, professor of Jazz Studies at McNeese St. University. While at McNeese, she also had the opportunity to study conducting with three of the most prolific conductors in music education: Harry Begian, H. Robert Reynolds, and Craig Kirchoff. She currently conducts the sweepstakes award winning Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble II, and the Jazz Trumpet Combo. Her bands have received superior ratings and “best in class” awards for their performances at various festivals including national recognition at the festivals in Los Angeles, California and in New York, New York. The Jazz Trumpet Combo was invited to perform at the 2006 International Trumpet Guild convention in Rowan, New Jersey. Her affiliations include the Texas Music Educator's Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Sigma Alpha Iota, the International Trumpet Guild and is a member of the trumpet section in the Valley Symphony Orchestra.