“A band ought to have a sound all of its own. It ought to have a personality.†– Glenn Miller
High energy, marvelous vocals and a unique jazz sound harken listeners to remember the good ol’ days of swing and big band power. Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) will host the most sought-after big band in the world, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m. as part of its Performing Arts Series.
Legendary Glenn Miller was one of the most successful composers and bandleaders of the 1930s and 40’s Swing Era. With a matchless string of hit records, constant impact on radio broadcasts and drawing power at theatres, hotels and dance pavilions, Miller built and sustained popularity for the big band sound.
Several of Miller’s hits include: “In the Mood,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “A String of Pearls,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else but Me),” and “(I’ve Got a Gal) In Kalamazoo.”
Miller disbanded his music organization in 1942 to volunteer for the Army. There, he organized and directed the famous Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band, which traveled to Europe to entertain servicemen performing numerous live and radio shows.
Today’s Glenn Miller Orchestra formed in 1956 playing an average of 300 dates every year across the globe. An 18-member ensemble, the orchestra performs many of Miller’s original arrangements both from his civilian band and the Army Air Force Band. Additionally, modern selections arranged in the Miller style and sound continue to delight audiences.
The performance will take place at the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater, 7777 S. May Avenue. Tickets are $15-$45 and can be purchased online at http://tickets.occc.edu, by calling (405) 682-7579 or in-person at OCCC Box Office.
Next in the Performing Arts Series, OCCC will welcome Chamber Orchestra Kremlin March 26.
To learn more about the OCCC Performing Arts Series visit /pas. Or to learn more about the Glenn Miller Orchestra see www.glennmillerorchestra.com.
