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Tuesday May 18, 2010 Edition
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Paramount Theatre Presents Legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra

Tuesday May 18, 2010

    The Paramount Theatre announced today the appearance of the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra at its Historic Landmark Theatre, Friday, May 21 at 8:00PM.  Glenn Miller was one of the most successful of all the dance bandleaders in the Swing era of the 1930s and '40s. A matchless string of hit records, the constant impact of radio broadcasts, and the drawing power at theatres, hotels, and dance pavilions built and sustained the momentum of his popularity.

    Glenn disbanded his musical organization in 1942, at the height of its popularity, volunteered for the Army and then organized and led the famous Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band. It went to Europe to entertain servicemen, and then, on December 15, 1944, Major Miller took off in a single-engine plane from England to precede his band to France, never to be seen again. The army declared him officially dead a year later.

    Because of popular demand, the Miller Estate authorized the formation of the present Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1956 under the direction of drummer Ray McKinley, who had become the unofficial leader of the Army Air Force Band after Glenn's disappearance.  The Orchestra founded in 1956 has toured the country for 54 years.  

    The 19-member band continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements that keep exciting fans who have not heard them played for a while. Additionally, they are also playing more modern selections in the big-band style, carefully selecting only those newer tunes that lend themselves naturally to the Miller style and sound, carefully selected pieces that will stay around for a while. The entire repertoire which now exceeds 1,700 compositions keeps the band popular with both young and old.

    Miller’s compositions: “In the Mood,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “Chattanooga Choo-Choo” are some of the most beloved and iconic big-band tunes ever composed and have enjoyed world-wide popularity for over six decades.  Mr. Miller was immortalized by a fictionalized motion picture (Starring Jimmy Stewart) in 1954 and he received a posthumous “Lifetime Achievement Award” Grammy in 2003.  His signature statement (Authored by Duke Ellington) “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that Swing!!” set his band in motion at each of his live performances.  

    Tickets are $17.50 - $27.50, and are available at:  
www.paramountlive.org or the Box Office: 802-775-0903.

 


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