Glenn Miller Orchestra (1956–present)
| Glenn Miller Orchestra | |
|---|---|
|
The Glenn Miller Orchestra, 2009. | |
| Background information | |
| Genres | Jazz, Big band |
| Years active | 1956–present |
| Website | www.glennmillerorchestra.com |
| Members | Nick Hilscher, Natalie Angst, Kevin Sheehan, Gary Meggs, Cody Leavel, Austin Yancey, Ian O'Beirne, Ashley Hall, Brad Black, Steve Walters, Joe Young IV, George Reinert III, Derek Kwong, Mike DeSousa, Jason Bennett, Ron Mills, Greg Zabel, Dean Schweiger |
| Past members | Dan Riley, Tex Beneke, Beat Kaestli, Ray McKinley, Lenny Hambro, Peanuts Hucko, Dick Lowenthal, Buddy Morrow, Jimmy Henderson, Dick Gerhart, Henry Mancini, Gary Tole, Clifford Shibly, Jack Sperling, 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, Wally Besser, Darrell Hendricks, Larry Newman, Steve Tracy McCallum, Clayton Lucovich, Holbrook Riles III, Joel Linscheid, Jon Rees, Jonathan McQuade, Nigel Yancey, Seth Lewis, Shawn Williams, James Navan, Betty Grable, Buck Clayton, Hoagy Carmichael, Art Tatum |
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The Glenn Miller Orchestra is a band formed after the loss of Glenn Miller, named in memory of him and the original Glenn Miller Orchestra.
History
After the disappearance of Glenn 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 has recorded and performed under various leaders, from 1956 to this day. Singer Nick Hilscher became the director of the touring band in 2012, replacing previous director Gary Tole.
Members
Current as of 2015
- Nick Hilscher – Male Vocalist and Music Director
- Natalie Angst – Female Vocalist
- Kevin Sheehan – Lead Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Arranger
- Gary Meggs – 2nd Alto Saxophone, Clarinet
- Cody Leavel – Tenor Saxophone 1, Clarinet, Flute
- Austin Yancey – Tenor Saxophone 2, Clarinet
- Ian O'Beirne – Baritone Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Bb Clarinet, Flute, Assistant Road Manager
- Ashley Hall – Lead Trumpet, Road Manager
- Brad Black – Split Lead Trumpet
- Steve Walters – Jazz Trumpet
- Joe Young IV – Trumpet
- George Reinert III – Lead Trombone, Stage Manager
- Derek Kwong – 2nd Trombone
- DJ Staudt – 3rd Trombone
- Jason Bennett – Bass Trombone, 4th Trombone, Music Copyist
- Ron Mills – Piano, Sound Engineer
- Greg Zabel – Upright Bass
- Dean Schweiger – Drums
- Moonlight Serenaders Vocal Group: Nick Hilscher, Natalie Angst, Ian O'Beirne, DJ Staudt, Kevin Sheehan