Glenn Miller Orchestra
Glenn Miller Orchestra |
|---|
The Glenn Miller Orchestra was originally formed in 1937 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 immortality and that of its founder and original members with the 1953 release of The Glenn Miller Story on the big screen. Its popularity 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 Larry O'Brien leads the touring band.[1]
Current members 2010
- Larry O'Brien – Solo Trombonist, Musical Director
- Kate Rafferty – Female Vocalist
- Brian Hemstock – Male Vocalist
- Kevin Sheehan – Lead Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute, Arranger
- Walter Kross – Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
- Scott Van Domelen – Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
- Damian Sanchez – Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
- Ian O'Beirne – Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, Flute
- Ashley Hall – Lead Trumpet, Sales Manager
- Steve Walters – Split Lead Trumpet
- Gary Lamb – Trumpet, Road Manager
- Jeff Uban – Trumpet, Assistant Sound Engineer
- George Reinert III – Lead Trombone, Stage Manager
- Jaime Parker – Trombone, Assistant Road Manager
- Josh Rarick – Trombone
- Jason Bennett – Bass Trombone, Music Copyist
- Ron Mills – Piano, Arranger, Sound Engineer
- Brent Marquez – Drums
- Adam Ravitz – Bass
- Andy Labier - Bus Driver
- Moonlight Serenaders Vocal Group: Kate Rafferty, Brian Hemstock, Gary Lamb, Jaime Parker, Kevin Sheehan
See also
References
- ^ Rapin, Kristen (October 9th, 2009). "Glenn Miller Orchestra salutes veterans". Toledo Free Press. Retrieved 2009-10-24.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)
External links
