As the Let’s Dance Big Band prepares for its June 10 concert, Richard Chay explains the theme of this year’s performance.
“2019 marks the 75th year of Glenn Miller’s disappearance,” said Chay, who plays the drums and is the leader of the Let’s Dance Big Band.
To this day, the disappearance of Glenn Miller remains one of the great mysteries of American music.
Chay explained Miller’s background: “In researching the man and his music, I was moved by Glenn Miller’s patriotism. He gave up one of the most successful bands of all time to join the Army during WWII.”
The Let’s Dance Big Band prepares a tribute to Glenn Miller. (Photo provided)
Miller was too old to be drafted into military service, but he joined the Army on October 7, 1942. His appointment as a Captain came after many months of convincing the military key players that he could improve the morale of the men. Miller was transferred into the Army Air Corps, where he ultimately organized the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band.
“Glenn Miller achieved a unique sound for his arrangements by blending the saxophones in a way that created what I think of as a ‘sweet’ sound,” Chay said. “It is a music style that is very pleasing to hear that somehow connects the body, mind, and spirit.”
Miller had record-breaking recordings such as “Tuxedo Junction,” which sold 115,000 copies in the first week. “In the Mood” and “Pennsylvania 6-5000,″ all appearing on the RCA Victor Bluebird label and his million-selling record was ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo.’
On a flight from England to France in 1944, the plane Miller was on disappeared over the English Channel. Glenn Miller was only 40 years old.
“I wondered why there are so few bands today that play only Glenn Miller music ‘tribute bands’ if you will. I think it is because many of the songs are so hard to play and they challenge the musicians,” Chay said.
On June 10, 2019, Sun City’s Let’s Dance Big Band will be playing two-dozen of Miller’s well-known songs. The 17 piece Let’s Dance Big Band musicians are a part of the Concert Band Charter Club in Sun City.
Chay specified, “We play 6-8 concerts and dances each year, with 1-2 in Sun City. We feature female and male vocalists, as well as instrumental arrangements from all bands that played in the big band era. Our songs are played for dancing and listening enjoyment.”
Chey explained that there will be a little more than music at the event.
“While advertised as a concert, we’ll have some room available on June 10 for dancers in Drendel Ballroom. The Let’s Dance Big Band knows that Glenn Miller’s music will bring people to their feet,” he said.
Chay said they wanted to focus on a few anniversaries.
“We wanted to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Miller’s death. 2019 is also the 75th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 1944. On June 10, 2019, the Let’s Dance Big Band will be playing two-dozen of Miller’s well-known songs. The narrator of our concert will be telling a story about the uniqueness of each of Miller’s arrangements. One song we’re playing is American Patrol, a well-known patriotic song. We have several WWII vets in Sun City who will be our guests at the concert. We will recognize them especially as well as all military service people in the audience,” Chay added.
Tickets are $12 and available at the CAM service desk in Prairie Lodge.
