Approximately 30 sailors in the Navy Band Southwest marched down Orange Avenue performing patriotic Navy songs during Coronado’s Independence Day parade.
Petty Officer Haley Bryla-Cameron led the way – using a ceremonial baton known as a “mace” to signal instructions to her fellow musicians.
“Our connection with San Diego and Coronado has been here for years,” said Bryla-Cameron, a musician first class. “Continuing to show up and connect with the community with music is always something we’re excited about and something we really value.”
Bryla-Cameron, who marched the parade as a flute player in 2025, returns this year as the drum major of Navy Band Southwest.
“I love the tradition of the Coronado 4th of July parade,” said Bryla-Cameron. “It’s so awesome that it has been going on for so long – since the 1800s.”
This year, Navy Band Southwest will play, “Anchors Aweigh” and “Mechanized Columbia,” derived from the song, “Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean.”
With a circular rotation of the mace, Bryla-Cameron will cue the first piece of music. To alternate, the mace goes straight up and drops.
“We love playing ‘Anchors Aweigh’ because we’re in the Navy. It’s our song,” said Bryla-Cameron. “‘Mechanized Columbia’ is a Navy band favorite … Everyone recognizes it.”
Connecting through music
Navy Band Southwest, located on Naval Base San Diego, was founded in 1923.
Lt. Cmdr. Matthew M. Shea directs the band, which serves as the musical ambassador for Navy Region Southwest.
According to a Navy website, the 45 members average more than 400 performances each year for military funerals, ceremonial support, public events and concerts.
Bryla-Cameron, who also plays the piccolo, said the Navy Band Southwest participation in the Coronado’s parade can be traced back to the 1960s.
Musician Third Class Kylie Teter, who plays the piccolo with Navy Band Southwest, said the Coronado Fourth of July parade is the longest route the band marches in.
“Getting to combine my love for music and my love for my country is really special,” said Teter.
“I think there’s no better way to really connect than through music,” said Bryla-Cameron. “When you’re marching down the street with that many people … you get this like rush of adrenaline and it’s really exciting and it just reminds you why you’re in the band and why you do what you do.”
“We love doing this parade,” added Bryla-Cameron. “It’s so much fun. We love when you scream and yell and sing along with us. It’s really a good time for us as musicians and sailors.”
