Glenn Miller Orchestra

Glenn Miller Orchestra
Glenn Miller Orchestra, 2009.
Background information
Genres	Jazz, Big band
Years active	1937–1944 1956–present
Website	www.glennmillerorchestra.com
Members
Gary Tole, Leader Brian Hemstock Kevin Sheehan Nigel Yancey Walt Kross Damian Sanchez Ian O'Beirne Ashley Hall Nick Schroeder Steven Walters Reid Poole George Reinert Jaime Parker John Tyler Jason Bennett Theron Brown Kurt Kotheimer Holbrook Riles III
Past members
Bobby Hackett Dan Riley Glenn Miller Tex Beneke Beat Kaestli Ray McKinley Al Klink Maurice Purtill Lenny Hambro Eddie Durham Johnny Best Buddy DeFranco Peanuts Hucko Dick Lowenthal Buddy Morrow Jimmy Henderson Dick Gerhart Henry Mancini Gary Tole Clifford Shibly Jack Sperling Ray Eberle (vocal) Marion Hutton (vocal) The Modernaires (vocal group) Dale Orris Nick Hilscher Bill Barbour Dave Ryan Robbie Hioki Doug Cook Barry Springer Bill Barrett Mike Duva Julia Rich (vocal) Charlie Lee Jeff Hughes Roscoe Myers Jimmy Priddy Triger Alpert Willie Schwartz Billy May

The Glenn Miller Orchestra was originally formed in 1938 by Glenn Miller. It was arranged around a clarinet and tenor saxophone playing melody, while three other saxophones played the harmony. Miller had already formed one band before this in 1936, but dissolved it as he considered it too similar to other bands of the era.

The new band became very popular and recorded a number of chart successes — among these were the ever-popular, "Moonlight Serenade", "In the Mood", "Tuxedo Junction", "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and "(I've Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo."

After the disappearance (and presumed death) of Miller in 1944, the band was reconstituted under the direction of Tex Beneke, its lead tenor saxophonist, singer, and one of Miller's longtime close friends. A few years later, the Miller estate, having parted ways with Beneke, hired Ray McKinley, principal drummer in Miller's Army Air Force band, to organize a new "ghost band" in 1956.

Hollywood contributed to the band's popularity and that of its founder and original members with the 1953 release of The Glenn Miller Story on the big screen. The band garnered award nominations and box office success, as well as top hit status for its soundtrack album in 1954.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra continued to record and perform under various leaders starting in 1956 and is still touring today. Currently trombonist Gary Tole leads the touring band.

Current members 2011

• Gary Tole – Solo Trombonist, Music Director
• Brian Hemstock – Male Vocalist
• Kevin Sheehan – Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute, Arranger
• Nigel Yancey – Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
• Walter Kross – Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
• Damian Sanchez – Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Assistant Road Manager
• Ian O'Beirne – Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, Flute
• Ashley Hall – Lead Trumpet, Sales Manager
• Nick Schroeder – Split Lead Trumpet
• Steve Walters – Jazz Trumpet
• Reid Poole – Trumpet
• George Reinert – Lead Trombone, Stage Manager
• Jaime Parker – Trombone, Road Manager
• John Tyler – Trombone
• Jason Bennett – Bass Trombone, Music Copyist
• Theron Brown – Piano
• Holbrook Riles III – Drums
• Kurt Kotheimer – Bass
• Andrew LaBier - Bus Driver
• Moonlight Serenaders Vocal Group: Brian Hemstock, Ian O'Beirne, Jaime Parker, Kevin Sheehan

See also

• Glenn Miller
• Swing music
• Bandleader
• Big band

External links

• Website of the Glenn Miller Orchestra
• Website of Leader Gary Tole
• Website of vocalist Julia Rich
• YouTube Videos from 1983 GMO US and Japan Tour