The Legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra Swings on at the Dixie Carter Performing Arts and Academic Enrichment Center

HUNTINGDON, Tenn. – The legend of Glenn Miller and his world famous 16-piece swing orchestra will live on under the lights of the stage 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts and Academic Enrichment Center. 

The Glenn Miller Orchestra is one of the most sought-after big bands in the world. With its unique jazz sound, this swing dance band boasts a lead reed section, robust horns, a rhythm section and two vocalists. Touring consistently since 1956, The Glenn Miller Orchestra performs an average of 300 spectacular live audience events around the world each year, entertaining close to half a million people annually with that one-of-a-kind Glenn Miller style and sound.

Currently led by Nick Hilscher, the 16-piece orchestra plays many of the original Miller arrangements from both the civilian and Army Air Force Band libraries. The big band also plays some modern selections in that classic Glenn Miller big band style.

Miller began his musical journey in 1935. A first class arranger and instrumentalist, his initial attempt at a swing band, however, was nothing short of an economic failure. Nevertheless, Miller persisted. He believed that “a band ought to have a sound all its own. It ought to have a personality.” And in 1938, he stumbled onto just what he and the big band audiences everywhere were looking for.

Using the clarinet and tenor sax to carry the melody, the rest of the reed section as harmony, and the trumpets, trombones, and rhythm section, Miller brought what would come to be known as his signature big band, swing style to life. This distinct sound set him apart from other swing bands of the time and made him and his orchestra one of the greatest on the swing era.

With 70 top 10 singles and 22 No. 1 records, The Glenn Miller Orchestra changed the music industry forever in just 4 short years. “Moonlight Serenade,” “In The Mood” (No. 1 on Billboard charts for 30 weeks), “Tuxedo Junction,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000” and “Chattanooga Choo-Choo” are just a few of their best known hits.

With the onset of WWII, Miller disbanded his orchestra at the height of its popularity and enlisted in the Army. Capt. Glenn Miller’s aircraft disappeared Dec. 15, 1944 over the English Channel as he was traveling to entertain troops in France. He was never seen again.

After the 1954 release of the major motion picture, The Glenn Miller Story, starring Jimmy Stewart, renewed interest and popular demand moved the Miller estate to authorize the formation of the present Glenn Miller Orchestra. It began touring in 1956 and has continued to tour without interruption since that time.

Tickets for the event are $35 and can be purchased online at DixiePac.net or from The Dixie Box Office 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. 

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