Glenn Miller Orchestra Returns To ABT April 2

Glenn Miller Orchestra, an icon born of the 1940's Big Band era, returns to Alberta Bair Theater on Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. with its Signature Sound. Led by vocalist Nick Hilscher, the 18 member ensemble continues to play many original arrangements like "In The Mood" and "Moonlight Serenade," in addition to some modern selections arranged and performed in the Miller style and sound where clarinet creates the melody.

The legendary Glenn Miller was one of the most successful 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 venues created and sustained the momentum of his popularity. Glenn Miller and His Orchestra had more hit records in one year than anybody in the history of the recording industry. In fact, its recording of Chattanooga Choo-Choo earned the first Gold Record ever awarded to a performing artist.

In 1942 at its peak of popularity, Miller disbanded the orchestra and volunteered for the Army. There, he organized and led the famous Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band, which went to Europe to entertain servicemen and record radio shows. On December 15, 1944, Major Miller took off in a single engine plane to precede his band to France, disappearing over the English Channel, never to be seen again. The army declared him officially dead a year later.

In 1954 with the release of the movie The Glenn Miller Story featuring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson, interest and popular demand led the Miller Estate to authorize 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 reformed Glenn Miller Orchestra performed its first concert and has been on the road ever since.

The big-band business today requires almost constant travel as a result of an arduous schedule of one-night stands. The Glenn Miller Orchestra travels more than 100,000 miles a year, working most every night for 48 weeks with nearly 300 engagements, performing for live audiences that add up to more than 500,000 people annually.

The orchestra has performed in all 50 United States, as well as throughout Europe, Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Guam, the Philippines, South and Central America. The orchestra has toured Japan more than 46 times.

This performance by Glenn Miller Orchestra is sponsored by Merrill Lynch. Tickets, $40, $30, and $25 for students with valid I.D. are on sale at the ABT Box office, located at 2801 Third Avenue North, and by phone at (406) 256-6052 and online at www.albertabairtheater.org.

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