PORT ANGELES — The music of Glenn Miller, who disappeared while traveling over the English Channel during World War II, lives on and can be heard live this evening at Port Angeles High School.
Miller’s swing sound is performed in the modern era by the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra.
The orchestra, presented by the Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts, will perform live at 7 this evening at the Port Angeles High School Performing Arts Center, 304 E. Park Ave.
Tickets are $15 to $35 for those 15 and older, depending on seating; tickets for youths 14 and younger are $10.
The band was formed in 1956 under the direction of drummer Ray McKinley, who had become the unofficial leader after Miller’s disappearance. Miller was traveling to entertain troops in France in December 1944 when his aircraft disappeared.
The reformed orchestra has been on the road ever since under various leaders and musicians. Since January 2012, vocalist Nick Hilscher has led the band.
Distinctive sound
The Glenn Miller Orchestra has always had its own distinctive sound, created by an arrangement unique for the Swing Era that consists of five saxophone players, four trumpeters, four trombonists, a pianist, a bassist and drummer, according to the group’s biography.
Two vocalists, one male and one female, perform individually and as part of The Moonlight Serenaders vocal group.
Today, the ensemble continues to play many well-known original Miller arrangements such as “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “String of Pearls” and “Tuxedo Junction.”
The group also performs less well-known tunes such as “The White Cliffs of Dover,” “Rainbow Rhapsody,” “Everybody Loves My Baby” and “That’s Sabotage.”
The group plays more modern selections arranged and performed in the trademark Miller style.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra travels more than 100,000 miles a year with about 300 performances each year for a combined audience of more than a half-million people annually, it says on its website.
The orchestra has performed in all 50 states, as well as throughout Europe, Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Guam, the Philippines and South and Central America.
For more information about the band, visit www.glennmillerorchestra.com.
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Reporter Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or cmcdaniel@peninsuladailynews.com.
