J. Steven Moore
Conductor
ABOUT US
History
The Southwest Florida Concert Band has a proud history of bringing musicians and audiences together through the joy of live music.
Our roots date back to 1979 with the founding of the Lehigh Concert Band, a nonprofit community ensemble based in Lehigh Acres. As the band grew, so did its reach. Musicians began traveling from communities throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, North Fort Myers and Sanibel.
With nearly 80 percent of its musicians eventually living outside Lehigh Acres, the band recognized an opportunity to grow beyond its original geographic boundaries. The Lehigh Concert Band members became the foundation of the Southwest Florida Concert Band, officially established in August 2017 to better reflect the diverse communities its musicians and audiences call home.
Today
The Southwest Florida Concert Band has a proud history of bringing musicians and audiences together through the joy of live music.
Our roots date back to 1979 with the founding of the Lehigh Concert Band, a nonprofit community ensemble based in Lehigh Acres. As the band grew, so did its reach. Musicians began traveling from communities throughout Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, North Fort Myers and Sanibel.
With nearly 80 percent of its musicians eventually living outside Lehigh Acres, the band recognized an opportunity to grow beyond its original geographic boundaries. The Lehigh Concert Band members became the foundation of the Southwest Florida Concert Band, officially established in August 2017 to better reflect the diverse communities its musicians and audiences call home.
Leadership
Officers and Board of Directors:
Clay Nesler, President
OPEN, Vice President
William Smith, Treasurer
Karen West, Secretary
Tony Ackerman, Director
Steve Collins, Director
Marcia Hardy, Director
Chris Hill, Director
George Poling, Director
Dr. J. Steven Moore
Music Director and Conductor
J. Steven Moore, DMA is the conductor of the SWFL Concert Band and owner of the Yamaha Music School Fort Myers. He has held conducting and administrative positions at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, University of Kentucky, Colorado State University, and the University of Central Missouri. Steven recently retired as Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies at the University of Miami and continues as a guest conductor and consultant.
Steven has served as the conductor of the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras, interim Director of Orchestras at the University of Kentucky, and Band Director at Lafayette HS, Lexington, Kentucky. He has been a frequent guest conductor including the Dallas Winds, Rocky Mountain Youth Orchestra, Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra, and Fort Collins Wind Symphony. Steven was the visual designer for the Spirit of Atlanta Alumni Corps performing at the 2025 DCI and was the Visual Coordinator for the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps in 1980-82.
A member of the American Bandmasters Association, Steven has contributed to the organization as a Board of Directors member. Under his direction, the Lafayette HS Band achieved numerous accolades, including performances at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the Sudler Shield, appearances in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and 6 State Marching Band Championships. He was recognized as the Kentucky High School Teacher of the Year by the Department of Education and was honored with the William Butler Award for Administrative Excellence at the University of Miami. Additionally, Steven authored the book "Play It From the Heart: What you learn from music about success in life," published by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
Steven resides in Miromar Lakes, Florida, with his wife, Kimberly Sena Moore, Ph.D., son, Jameson, daughter, Lorian, and their much loved mix, Cosmo the Wonder Dog.
