ALMA bringing Glenn Miller Orchestra to ASU on Oct. 10

ALAMOSA — Have you ever wanted to experience firsthand the magic and majesty of a universally beloved big band? Now's the chance for you and your family and friends to experience it live in Alamosa, when the Alamosa Live Music Association hosts the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Richardson Hall at Adams State University.

The rare opportunity for a full evening of big band music starts when the doors open at 6 p.m. The music will begin at 6:30 p.m. when the show opens with local favorites the SLV Big Band. General admission is $25, with ALMA members and ASU AS&F having the opportunity to purchase tickets for a discounted price of $15. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at https://buytickets.at/alamosalivemusicassociation/948581. Call 719-937-1255, for more information.

The history of the Glenn Miller Orchestra goes back almost 100 years and took many different forms over the decades. The legendary Glenn Miller was one of the most successful of all dance bandleaders back in the Swing Era of the 1930s and 40s. But the first Glenn Miller Orchestra did not make it at all — it was a total and absolute economic failure.

But Miller knew what he wanted, held on to that dedication, and relentlessly worked to succeed. He launched his second band — the one that lives on today — in March of 1938. This Glenn Miller Orchestra has been a “hit” ever since. A matchless string of hit records, the constant impact of radio broadcasts and the drawing power at theaters, hotels and dance pavilions built and sustained the momentum of popularity.

Miller disbanded his musical organization in 1942 at the height of its popularity to volunteer for the Army. There, he organized and led the famous Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band. It went to Europe to entertain servicemen performing numerous live and radio shows.

On Dec. 15, 1944, Maj. Miller took off in a single engine plane from Europe to precede his band to France, disappearing over the English Channel, never to be seen again. The Army declared him officially dead a year later. With the release of the major motion movie “The Glenn Miller Story” featuring Jimmy Stewart and June Allyson in 1954, interest and popular demand led the Miller Estate to authorize the formation of the present Glenn Miller Orchestra.

On June 6, 1956, and under the direction of drummer Ray McKinley who had become the unofficial leader of the Army Air Force Band after Miller’s disappearance, the reformed Glenn Miller Orchestra performed its first concert and has been on the road ever since.

Other leaders have followed Ray, including clarinetists Buddy DeFranco and Peanuts Hucko, trombonists Buddy Morrow, Jimmy Henderson, Larry O’Brien and Gary Tole, and tenor saxophonist Dick Gerhart. Since January 2012, vocalist Nick Hilscher has led the band.

Today, the 18-member ensemble continues to play many of the original Miller arrangements, both from the civilian band and the AAFB libraries. Additionally, it also plays some more modern selections arranged and performed in the Miller style and sound. Just as it was in Miller’s day, the Glenn Miller Orchestra today is still the most sought-after big band in the world.