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.
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 band.
Current Members
- Larry O'Brien - Trombonist, musical director
- Julia Rich - vocalist
- Ryan Garfi - vocalist
- Kevin Sheehan - Lead Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute, Arranger
- Bryan Wente - Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
- Scott Van Domelen - Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
- Andrew Schlinder - Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
- Nathan Heald - Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, Flute
- Ashley Hall - Lead Trumpet
- Joe Harris - Split Lead Trumpet
- Gary Lamb - Trumpet, Assistant Road Manager
- Mike Rocha - Trumpet, Sound Tech
- George Reinert III - Lead Trombone, Stage Manager
- Jaime Parker - Trombone
- Aidan Smith - Third Trombone
- Jason Bennett - Bass Trombone
- Ron Mills - Piano, Arranger
- Brent Marquez - Drums
- Bart Delaney - Bass, Road Manager
See also
External links
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