What is a Big Band?
The George Carroll Dance Band -- SWING COMMAND
What's a Big Band -- you say? The Big Band sound was decided by the need for making a varied and full musical statement from three main "choirs" of instruments. Ultimately, the 5, 4, 4, 4 plan was standardized; arrangements were scored for 5 saxes (2 altos; 2 tenors and a baritone) 4 each of trumpets and trombones; supported and sparked by a rhythm section of string bass, guitar, piano or vibraphone and drums. This was usually supplemented by at least one or two vocalists (typically male and female) and sometimes a quartet.
The arrangements, (known as "charts" to the initiated) are from the books of the best-known and most productive band libraries of the period: Glenn Miller, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington are well represented, as well as Count Basie, Woody Herman, Les Brown, Larry Clinton, Gene Krupa, Harry James, Gene Goldkette, Jan Savitt, Jimmy Lunceford, Kay Kyser, Tito Puente, Perez Prado, and Nelson Riddle, among others.
The repertoire represents the work of many arrangers: Bill Finegan, Ed Sauter, Spud Murphy, Paul Wierick,, Dave Wolpe, Mark Taylor, Sy Oliver, Lenie Niehaus, Jack Mason, Gordon Jenkins, Jerry Gray, Jerry Nowalk, Billy Strayhorn, Bob Lowden and our own Tom Cherrix.
Come out and hear us, we bring back the memories and create a few new ones!
The band is available for Anniversaries, Weddings, parties, or any other occasion that you have coming up. You may contact our band through Janet Thompson 703 855 6216, or email ropedrum@hotmail.com.