Melbourne Municipal Band http://melbournemunicipalband.org Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:03:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 The Melbourne Municipal Band plays “The Music of Sammy Nestico” http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2012/01/the-melbourne-municipal-band-plays-%e2%80%9cthe-music-of-sammy-nestico%e2%80%9d/ http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2012/01/the-melbourne-municipal-band-plays-%e2%80%9cthe-music-of-sammy-nestico%e2%80%9d/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:17:09 +0000 tculp http://melbournemunicipalband.org/?p=1276 Dear Friends and Patrons,

7:30 pm on February 15 & 16.  Nestico’s arrangements are popular with audiences around the world.   He is well known for his arrangements for the Count Basie Orchestra and the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Bands.  His work in the TV medium includes projects for Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand, and the scores for Mission: Impossible and Charlie’s Angels.  You may not know the name “Sammy Nestico,” but you already know his music. 

Nestico has generously donated most of the music to the MMB for this concert.  This came about as the result of his longtime friendship Charlie Almeida, a sax and clarinet player in the MMB.   Almeida will be featured on a beautiful alto sax ballad called Persuasion.  Additionally, our program will include Nestico’s  Spirit of Liberty March, Tribute to Stephen Foster, Los Valientes, Brassmen’s Holiday, Model “T” and Tribute to Harry James.

This concert will also feature my friend and mentor as a guest conductor, Dr. David Waybright, Director of Bands from the University of Florida.  He’ll be conducting Ralph Vaughan Williams’ English Folk Song Suite.  We’ll round out the program with Grainger’s Handel in the Strand (a very happy little piece) and we’ll add a dash of Sousa, just for good measure.

Come early at 6:30 p.m. and hear Charlie Almeida’s V.I.P. Orchestra play our pre-show entertainment.  This jazz combo will get your evening’s entertainment started nicely (and you may enjoy hearing my husband, David Cleveland, playing trumpet).

As always, admission to these concerts is free, and we gratefully accept your voluntary donations.  We value your patronage and support.  Spread the word to your friends and family.  We’d love to see them at the concerts, and you can contribute to helping our audience to grow.

We love to play for you!

Yours truly,

Staci Cleveland, Principal Conductor

An added note:  This is a busy time for the MMB and its affiliated groups. We hope you’ll mark your calendar for two upcoming events: First, a 7:30 pm “Sousa” concert by the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, conducted by Col. Hal Gibson. The venue will be the Indian River Colony Club in Viera on Jan. 29.

Your best chance this year to get into the mood for Valentine’s Day will be the Swingtime Jazz Band’s annual Sweetheart Ball. Come by the Melbourne Auditorium at 7:00 pm on Feb. 9 with your sweetie, prepared to dance to some of the best big band music in Brevard, under the direction of Art Martin.

]]> http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2012/01/the-melbourne-municipal-band-plays-%e2%80%9cthe-music-of-sammy-nestico%e2%80%9d/feed/ 0 February 9 “Sweetheart Ball” Swings with the Sounds of Jazz Greats http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2012/01/february-9-%e2%80%9csweetheart-ball%e2%80%9d-swings-with-the-sounds-of-jazz-greats/ http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2012/01/february-9-%e2%80%9csweetheart-ball%e2%80%9d-swings-with-the-sounds-of-jazz-greats/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:11:15 +0000 tculp http://melbournemunicipalband.org/?p=1272 $5 Dance Lessons Available One Hour Before Event Begins

MELBOURNE, FL, January 20, 2012 – Sweethearts of all ages will take the dance floor on February 9 as the Swingtime Jazz Band presents its popular annual “Sweetheart Ball” beginning at 7 p.m. at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 Hibiscus Blvd. Dance tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door.

Musical selections will feature original and much-loved arrangements from masters such as Stan Kenton, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie and Les Brown. Popular local vocalists Sally Hart and Len Fallen will perform.

The band auxiliary will have a concession table with snacks, soft drinks, bottled water and ice for sale. Tables can be reserved in advance for groups of six more by calling the band office at 724-0555.

Those who would like to brush up on their dancing skills can do so from 6 to 7 p.m., when Laura Beers (www.adancersvoice.com or 751-4766) offers lessons. Cost is $5, payable to the instructor.

Call 724-0555 or visit www.melbournemunicipalband.org for more information.

Swingtime, part of the Melbourne Municipal Band, is a 20-piece jazz band, playing music from the 1920s to the 1970s. The for-hire band features saxophones, trombones, trumpets, a piano, guitar, bass and trap set, along with two vocalists and a conductor/announcer.

About the Melbourne Municipal Band
The Melbourne Municipal Band (MMB), established in 1965, plays free concerts for the citizens of Brevard County nearly every month, and also contributes to the community through parades, patriotic concerts and ceremonial performances. Some 30 percent of the band’s 80-plus members are professional musicians. In a typical year, the band serves 69,000 concert attendees, and its members give 27,000 hours of community service in the form of rehearsals and performance time.

Media Contact:
Carmen L. Bright
Marketing Communications Associates, Inc.
Voice: 321-254-0171
Fax: 321-752-9814

]]> http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2012/01/february-9-%e2%80%9csweetheart-ball%e2%80%9d-swings-with-the-sounds-of-jazz-greats/feed/ 0 Melbourne Municipal Band’s Free February Concert Pays Tribute to Prolific American Composer, Sammy Nestico http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2012/01/melbourne-municipal-band%e2%80%99s-free-february-concert-pays-tribute-to-prolific-american-composer-sammy-nestico/ http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2012/01/melbourne-municipal-band%e2%80%99s-free-february-concert-pays-tribute-to-prolific-american-composer-sammy-nestico/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:44:40 +0000 tculp http://melbournemunicipalband.org/?p=1263

  • Pre-show music provided by the V.I.P. Orchestra – a jazz combo
  • Special Guest Conductor appearance by Dr. David Waybright, University of Florida Director of Bands
MELBOURNE, FL, January 13, 2012 – Audiences around the world enjoy the jazz and patriotic music of American composer Sammy Nestico, and fans of his blues- and folk-influenced arrangements soon will have the chance to hear them in person. The Melbourne Municipal Band, under the direction of Principal Conductor Staci Cleveland, will present two free concerts that pay tribute to his talents on February 15 and 16, at 7:30 p.m. at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.

Nestico is best known for his arrangements for the Count Basie Orchestra, and the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine bands. His career also included the television and film industry, where he arranged and conducted projects for artists such as Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand and worked on popular TV programs, including Mission: Impossible and Charlie’s Angels.

“We are honored to recognize this fine composer and we are very grateful to him for donating the music for this program to us,” said Cleveland. “We’ll perform some of his best-loved work, including the Spirit of Liberty March, Tribute to Stephen Foster, Los Valentes, Brassman’s Holiday, Tribute to Harry James, and a beautiful alto saxophone solo, Persuasion, which will feature MMB member Charlie Almeida, who is a personal friend of Sammy’s.”

The evening also will include a special guest conductor performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams’s English Folk Song Suite, by Dr. David Waybright, director of bands at the University of Florida. The V.I.P. Orchestra jazz combo will provide pre-show entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Call 724-0555 or visit www.melbournemunicipalband.org for more information.

About the Melbourne Municipal Band
The Melbourne Municipal Band (MMB), established in 1965, plays free concerts for the citizens of Brevard County nearly every month, and also contributes to the community through parades, patriotic concerts and ceremonial performances. Some 30 percent of the band’s 80-plus members are professional musicians. In a typical year, the band serves 69,000 concert attendees, and its members give 27,000 hours of community service in the form of rehearsals and performance time.

Media Contact:
Carmen L. Bright
Marketing Communications Associates, Inc.
Voice: 321-254-0171
Fax: 321-752-9814
]]> http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2012/01/melbourne-municipal-band%e2%80%99s-free-february-concert-pays-tribute-to-prolific-american-composer-sammy-nestico/feed/ 0 Swingtime Jazz Band and Melbourne Community Orchestra Team to Ring in 2012 With “Cool” January Concert http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2012/01/swingtime-jazz-band-and-melbourne-community-orchestra-team-to-ring-in-2012-with-%e2%80%9ccool%e2%80%9d-january-concert/ http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2012/01/swingtime-jazz-band-and-melbourne-community-orchestra-team-to-ring-in-2012-with-%e2%80%9ccool%e2%80%9d-january-concert/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:52:31 +0000 tculp http://melbournemunicipalband.org/?p=1246 Art Martin to Conduct Combined Musical Groups

MELBOURNE, FL, December 19, 2011 – The Swingtime Jazz Band and the Melbourne Community Orchestra will team to present The Cool Sounds of Swingtime on January 4th and 5th beginning at 7:30 p.m., at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 Hibiscus Blvd.  There is no charge for the concert and tickets are not required.

The combined groups, under the direction of Art Martin, will play a variety of popular jazz tunes, including Moten Swing, 920 Special, Sweet Georgia Brown, The Big Apple (tunes related to New York City) and A Big Band Medley of popular big band favorites including Song of India and Cherokee. Popular local vocalist Sally Hart will be featured.

“We are excited to present this concert in conjunction with the Melbourne Community Orchestra for the second year, and we look forward to other creative collaborations with them in the future,” said Martin.

Call 724-0555 or visit melbournemunicipalband.org for more information.

Swingtime, part of the Melbourne Municipal Band, is a 20-piece jazz band, playing music from the 1920s to the 1970s. The for-hire band features saxophones, trombones, trumpets, a piano, guitar, bass and trap set, along with two vocalists and a conductor/announcer.

About the Melbourne Municipal Band
The Melbourne Municipal Band (MMB), established in 1965, plays free concerts for the citizens of Brevard County nearly every month, and also contributes to the community through parades, patriotic concerts and ceremonial performances. Some 30 percent of the band’s 80-plus members are professional musicians. In a typical year, the band serves 69,000 concert attendees, and its members give 27,000 hours of community service in the form of rehearsals and performance time.

Media Contact:
Carmen L. Bright
Marketing Communications Associates, Inc.
Voice: 321-254-0171
Fax: 321-752-9814

]]> http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2012/01/swingtime-jazz-band-and-melbourne-community-orchestra-team-to-ring-in-2012-with-%e2%80%9ccool%e2%80%9d-january-concert/feed/ 0 Free ‘Starry Night’ Holiday Concert to Ring in Melbourne Municipal Band’s Season of Music and Giving http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/12/free-starry-night-holiday-concert-to-ring-in-melbourne-municipal-bands-season-of-music-and-giving/ http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/12/free-starry-night-holiday-concert-to-ring-in-melbourne-municipal-bands-season-of-music-and-giving/#comments Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:10:04 +0000 tculp http://melbournemunicipalband.org/?p=1237
4 The Kids of Brevard and South Brevard Sharing Center to Benefit from Concert Toy and Food Drive
Special Guest Performance by Shuttle Astronaut Capt. Winston Scott

The stars will shine for the Melbourne Municipal Band’s annual holiday concert this year with three special performances in two different locations.

Music lovers will be able to attend the Starry Night concerts on December 14 and 15, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Melbourne Auditorium, and on December 18 at 3 p.m. at The Scott Center at Holy Trinity Episcopal Upper School, 5625 Holy Trinity Drive in North Melbourne. There is no charge for the concert and tickets are not required.

The concerts also will serve as a collection point for two local charitable organizations – 4 The Kids of Brevard and the South Brevard Sharing Center. Concert attendees are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy or a non-perishable food item.

“Our holiday concert is our musical gift to our audience members, and we’ll have everyone’s favorite holiday music,” said Principal Conductor Staci Cleveland.  “Those who enjoyed hearing Capt. Winston Scott last season, when he came to speak about his experiences as an astronaut onboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, will not want to miss the opportunity to hear him solo on the trumpet.”
The Oh Golly! Dixieland Band will present pre-show entertainment and it’s rumored that a special seasonal guest will make an appearance at the end of the concert.

Call 724-0555 or visit www.melbournemunicipalband.org for more information.

Media Contact
Carmen L. Bright
Marketing Communications Associates, Inc.
321.254.0171 (voice)
321.752.9814 (fax)
]]> http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/12/free-starry-night-holiday-concert-to-ring-in-melbourne-municipal-bands-season-of-music-and-giving/feed/ 0 Swingtime Jazz Band “Unwraps” Its Holiday Dancing Season on December 2 http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/11/swingtime-jazz-band-%e2%80%9cunwraps%e2%80%9d-its-holiday-dancing-season-on-december-2/ http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/11/swingtime-jazz-band-%e2%80%9cunwraps%e2%80%9d-its-holiday-dancing-season-on-december-2/#comments Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:52:37 +0000 tculp http://melbournemunicipalband.org/?p=1224 MELBOURNE, FL, November 3, 2011 – The sounds of the holidays and popular seasonal dance tunes will take center stage at the Swingtime Jazz Band’s annual Holiday Ball on December 2nd at 7 p.m. at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Bld., Melbourne. Dance tickets are $5 in advance or $6 at the door. Tables can be reserved in advance for six or more people by calling the band office at 724-0555.

“This is one of our most popular events of the year,” said Art Martin, conductor of Swingtime. “Many people reserve tables and use this evening to host their own holiday party for friends and family – complete with big band entertainment and dancing.”

Popular local vocalists Sally Hart and Len Fallen will perform. The band auxiliary will have a concession table with snacks, soft drinks, bottled water and ice for sale.

Those who would like to brush up on their dancing skills can do so from 6 to 7 p.m., when Laura Beers (www.adancersvoice.com or 751-4766) offers lessons. The fee for lessons is $5, payable to the instructor.

More information about this event and others is available by calling the band at 724-0555 or visiting melbournemunicipalband.org.

About the Melbourne Municipal Band
The Melbourne Municipal Band (MMB), established in 1965, plays free concerts for the citizens of Brevard County nearly every month, and also contributes to the community through parades, patriotic concerts and ceremonial performances. Some 30 percent of the band’s 80-plus members are professional musicians. In a typical year, the band serves 69,000 concert attendees, and its members give 27,000 hours of community service in the form of rehearsals and performance time.

Swingtime is the 18 to 21-piece “Big Band” dance ensemble of the MMB, playing music from the 1920s to the 1970s. The for-hire band features saxophones, trombones, trumpets, a piano, guitar, bass and trap set, along with two vocalists and a conductor/announcer.

Media Contact:
Carmen L. Bright
Marketing Communications Associates, Inc.
Voice: 321-254-0171
Fax: 321-752-9814
]]> http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/11/swingtime-jazz-band-%e2%80%9cunwraps%e2%80%9d-its-holiday-dancing-season-on-december-2/feed/ 0 Melbourne Municipal Band’s New Symphonic Wind Ensemble Makes Its Concert Debut Sunday, November 6, in Suntree http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/10/melbourne-municipal-band%e2%80%99s-new-symphonic-wind-ensemble-makes-its-concert-debut-sunday-november-6-in-suntree/ http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/10/melbourne-municipal-band%e2%80%99s-new-symphonic-wind-ensemble-makes-its-concert-debut-sunday-november-6-in-suntree/#comments Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:38:06 +0000 tculp http://melbournemunicipalband.org/?p=1215
Hal Gibson Conducts Ensemble’s Free “Momentous Moments in Music” Program

MELBOURNE, FL, October 29, 2011 – The new Symphonic Wind Ensemble of the Melbourne Municipal Band will present its premiere performance on Sunday, November 6 at 3:00 pm at the Suntree United Methodist Church, 7400 N. Wickham Road, in Melbourne. The concert is free and tickets are not required.

Well-known veteran conductor and Viera resident Hal Gibson will conduct the ensemble as it presents a program titled “Momentous Moments in Music.”

“The Symphonic Wind Ensemble brings together the very finest area players who are capable of performing music of the highest order at a very high standard,” explains Gibson. “We had our first rehearsal last Saturday and I was elated with the results. This is a program that lovers of good music will not want to miss.”

The concert will feature major compositions such as the Manx Overture, by Haydn Wood; George Washington Bridge, by William Schuman; and a very special rendition of Crown Imperial – Coronation March, by Sir William Walton, written for the coronation of King George VI in 1937.  What makes this performance special is that the wind ensemble will combine forces with the organ and the major talents of local organist Thomas Taylor.

Another “momentous musical moment” will be the performance of Richard Wagner’s Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral.  This piece prefaces Elsa’s betrothal to Lohengrin from the opera of the same name, and is one of the most dynamic and climactic works in all of the operatic literature. Organist Thomas Taylor will again join the ensemble in the culmination of this majestic masterwork.
Also included on the program will be the iconic work for winds, the Second Suite in F for Military Band, by Gustav Holst.

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble of the Melbourne Municipal Band is a new musical organization focused on the performance of the most notable music written, or arranged for, wind instruments.  Its members are some of the finest, most experienced players in the Central Florida, performing music to the highest standards.

Call 724-0555 or visit melbournemunicipalband.org for more information.

About the Melbourne Municipal Band
The Melbourne Municipal Band (MMB), established in 1965, plays free concerts for the citizens of Brevard County nearly every month, and also contributes to the community through parades, patriotic concerts and ceremonial performances. Some 30 percent of the band’s 80-plus members are professional musicians. In a typical year, the band serves 69,000 concert attendees, and its members give 27,000 hours of community service in the form of rehearsals and performance time.

Media Contact:
Carmen L. Bright
Marketing Communications Associates, Inc.
Voice: 321-254-0171
Fax: 321-752-9814
]]> http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/10/melbourne-municipal-band%e2%80%99s-new-symphonic-wind-ensemble-makes-its-concert-debut-sunday-november-6-in-suntree/feed/ 0 A Newsletter from the Melbourne Municipal Band http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/10/it-takes-two-to-tango/ http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/10/it-takes-two-to-tango/#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2011 01:30:16 +0000 tculp http://melbournemunicipalband.org/?p=1199
Hello!

Our effort to stay in touch with you began some time ago with the mailing of flyers of our upcoming concerts. We would like to continue doing this, and to include other information that spotlights our musical selections, composers, and guest artists. We will be experimenting with the content and format as we go, and we want your feedback about what works best for you. Haven’t signed up for flyers yet? Just send a note to admin@melbournemunicipalband.org and we will add you to the list.

As far as frequency, we know the challenge you face in managing your overloaded inbox. So expect to receive only a few of these letters per year. Generally, we’ll plan to send you a new one a couple of weeks prior to each concert. If you’d prefer to continue receiving just the flyer, let us know.

It Takes Two to Tango
November 16 & 17 @ 7:30pm
Melbourne Auditorium on Hibiscus Ave.

Coming up next: a concert with a Latin Twist!

Picture yourself sunning on the Copacabana, or flying down to Rio, or jiving to salsa in Hemingway’s Havana, or simply swaying to the sensuous bassa nova rhythms of Antonio Carlos Jobim. This concert will have all that and more.

One of our favorites is Sammy Nestico’s arrangement of Malagueña. Mr. Nestico has a distinguished career as an arranger of big band music with the U.S. Air Force Band, the U.S. Marine Band, the Count Basie Orchestra, and the major Hollywood studios. Sammy recently gave several of his arrangements to the MMB library. They are great fun to play. His music never fails to connect with the audience. You might want to mark your calendar as we’ll be playing a concert dedicated to Sammy Nestico’s music next February 15 & 16.

You may recall that Ernesto Lacuona, who wrote Malegueña, is the most famous and accomplished composer to come out of Cuba. Thoroughly unhappy with the Castro’s new regime, he moved from Havana to Tampa, Florida in 1960.

Other numbers on the November program: Brazilian Festival, a collection of Jobim’s tunes, including The Girl from Ipanema and One Note Samba, Cole Porter’s Begin the Beguine, El Aguila de Oro, a Latin march by Bullock, and El Choclo, originally a classical guitar piece by the famous Argentine tango composer Angel Villoldo. As always, we’ll bring the concert to a rousing conclusion with John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever.

If you’re in the mood to add a bit of personal development to the experience, Laura Beers will be dropping by the Melbourne Auditorium at 6:30 with a demonstration on how to dance to Latin music. So come early and get your cha cha cha up to speed.

Plan to join us if you can for a high energy and very entertaining concert of your favorite Latin music. We are looking forward to playing for you.

I’ll get back in touch later next month to share with you our plans for “A Starry Night Holiday Concert” on December 14 & 15 in Melbourne, and a new Sunday December 18 matinee performance at the Holy Trinity Academy in Viera.

All the best,
Staci Cleveland, Principal Conductor


]]> http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/10/it-takes-two-to-tango/feed/ 0 Melbourne Municipal Band Celebrates The Sounds of Latin Music With Free Concerts November 16 and 17 http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/10/melbourne-municipal-band-celebrates-the-sounds-of-latin-music-with-free-concerts-november-16-and-17/ http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/10/melbourne-municipal-band-celebrates-the-sounds-of-latin-music-with-free-concerts-november-16-and-17/#comments Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:29:36 +0000 tculp http://melbournemunicipalband.org/?p=1184 MELBOURNE, FL, October 14, 2011 -  “It Takes Two to Tango” is the theme of the November free concerts by the Melbourne Municipal Band. The concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. both nights and are held at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd. Admission is free and tickets are not required.

Attendees will be treated to a lively program of music with a Latin twist, including such popular selections as Malaguena, Begin the Beguine, Mexican Hat Dance, and The Best of Miami Sound Machine.

“We are adding some spice to our musical season and hope that everyone will come out for this very enjoyable program,” said Staci Cleveland, conductor.  “We are also excited about our pre-show entertainment. Wednesday evening, Laura Beers (www.adancersvoice.com) will present a Latin dance demonstration.”

Call 724-0555 or visit melbournemunicipalband.org for more information.

About the Melbourne Municipal Band
The Melbourne Municipal Band (MMB), established in 1965, plays free concerts for the citizens of Brevard County nearly every month, and also contributes to the community through parades, patriotic concerts and ceremonial performances. Some 30 percent of the band’s 80-plus members are professional musicians. In a typical year, the band serves 69,000 concert attendees, and its members give 27,000 hours of community service in the form of rehearsals and performance time.

Media Contact:
Carmen L. Bright
Marketing Communications Associates, Inc.
Voice: 321-254-0171
Fax: 321-752-9814
]]> http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/10/melbourne-municipal-band-celebrates-the-sounds-of-latin-music-with-free-concerts-november-16-and-17/feed/ 0 Swingtime Jazz Band Presents “A Salute to Our Veterans” Dance on November 10 http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/10/swingtime-jazz-band-presents-%e2%80%9ca-salute-to-our-veterans%e2%80%9d-dance-on-november-10/ http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/10/swingtime-jazz-band-presents-%e2%80%9ca-salute-to-our-veterans%e2%80%9d-dance-on-november-10/#comments Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:13:04 +0000 tculp http://melbournemunicipalband.org/?p=1177 MELBOURNE, FL, October 14, 2011 – Active-duty and retired military members with ID will receive free admission to the Swingtime Jazz Band’s “A Salute Our Veterans” dance on November 10.  Swingtime – the dance band of the Melbourne Municipal Band  - is using the Veteran’s Day event to recognize the men and women who serve and have served our nation.

“The band is very excited about this dance and the opportunity to say thank you to our nation’s military for the sacrifices they make,” said Art Martin, conductor.  “Many of the Swingtime and Melbourne Municipal Band members are themselves veterans and got their musical start in military bands, so this has a very special meaning for us.”

The dance will include a wide variety of music, including popular swing, waltz, polkas and Latin selections. Swingtime vocalists Sally Hart, a singing star with the Lawrence Welk Show, and Len Fallen, another local favorite, also will be featured.  Just a few of the selections to be performed will be Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, In The Mood, Pennsylvania 6-5000, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Choo Choo Ch’ Boogie, and At Last.

The dance begins at 7 p.m. Those who would like to brush up on their dancing skills can do so from 6 to 7 p.m., when Laura Beers (www.adancersvoice.com or 751-4766) offers lessons. The fee for lessons is $5, payable to the instructor.

Dance tickets are $5 in advance or $6 at the door for non-veterans. Swingtime, considered one of the finest jazz and big band groups in the Southeast, also is available for hire for community, church and other social functions.  More information about the event, ticket locations, and the band is available by visiting melbournemunicipalband.org or calling 724-0555.

About the Melbourne Municipal Band
The Melbourne Municipal Band, established in 1965, plays free concerts for the citizens of Brevard County nearly every month, and also contributes to the community through parades, patriotic concerts and ceremonial performances. Some 30 percent of the band’s 80-plus members are professional musicians. In a typical year, the band serves 69,000 concert attendees, and its members give 27,000 hours of community service in the form of rehearsals and performance time.

Swingtime is the 18 to 21-piece “Big Band” dance ensemble of the MMB, playing music from the 1920s to the 1970s. The for-hire band features saxophones, trombones, trumpets, a piano, guitar, bass and trap set, along with two vocalists and a conductor/announcer.

Media Contact:
Carmen L. Bright
Marketing Communications Associates, Inc.
Voice: 321-254-0171
Fax: 321-752-9814
]]> http://melbournemunicipalband.org/2011/10/swingtime-jazz-band-presents-%e2%80%9ca-salute-to-our-veterans%e2%80%9d-dance-on-november-10/feed/ 0