Friday, September 12, 2003

WILMINGTON, NC – The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, the most sought-after big band in the world, will appear at 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 31 in the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Kenan Auditorium.

The legendary Glenn Miller was one of the most successful dance bandleaders in the Swing era of the thirties and forties. The band was launched in March of 1938. Their matchless string of hit records, constant impact of radio broadcasts and their drawing power at theatres, hotels and dance pavilions built and sustained their momentum of popularity.

The band disbanded in 1942 at the height of its popularity. Glenn Miller volunteered for the Army where he organized and led the famous Glenn Miller Air Force Band, which toured Europe to entertain servicemen. In 1944, Maj. Glenn Miller took off in a single engine plane from England to France. He was never seen again and was declared officially dead by the army in 1945.

Due to the popularity of Glenn Miller, the Miller Estate authorized the formation of the present Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1956 under the direction of drummer, Ray McKinley. Other leaders have followed, including clarinetists Buddy deFranco and Peanuts Huncko, trombonists Buddy Morrow, Jimmy Henderson, tenor saxophonist Dick Gerhart and current trombonist leader Larry O’Brien.

The nineteen-member band continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements. They also play more modern selections, which lend themselves naturally to the unique Miller style.

Reserved tickets are $28.00 and $25.00. The ticket office can be reached at 910/962-3500 or 800/732-3643.

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For more information contact Curt Allen-Little at 910/962-7480 or little@uncw.edu