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The White Sands Orchestra After 20 years as the White Sands Dance Band, we changed the name to the White Sands Orchestra, more accurately reflecting our makeup and size. Under the leadership of John Mizelle, the White Sands Orchestra brings the Big Band sounds of over six hundred tunes from the libraries of the great orchestras of Glenn Miller, the Elgarts, the Dorseys, Stan Kenton, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich and others to the Florida Gulf Coast. The complement of eight brass, five saxes and three rhythm instruments gives the full spectrum of that Big Band sound that has endured over the years. The Band features Ms. Kim Weaver as principal vocalist. Kim’s daughter, Sydney Tyler Hunt, and Ms. Michelle Dolgoff have also sung with the Orchestra on various occasions. Each vocalist brings a distinctive personal style which adds another dimension to the band with their lovely voices capturing the beauty of many musical memories. We are now performing into our 24th year, looking forward to our 25th. The experience that the members have acquired while playing in their respective college and/or high school jazz orchestras and the professional world brings an authentic richness to the Orchestra’s sound. The thrill of playing Big Band Swing numbers just like the original bands played and recorded them keeps the swing sounds alive, and unites the band like family. Weekly rehearsals and the stability of continuous personnel loyalty over the years have kept the musical skills of the band at the highest professional level, and keep the band in high demand for engagements throughout the area. Our only competition is our last performance. The White Sands Orchestra is truly the only professional sound of Big Band Swing along the Northwest Florida Emerald Coast. The White Sands Orchestra performs for social events and dances for all ages along the Gulf Coast throughout the year. The band likes to note that ‘Dance’ is in their heritage, and enjoys playing music that is always musical and always danceable. The ‘Premier Big Band’ on the Gulf Coast, we are proud to be a member of the Arts Council of Northwest Florida, and the National Ballroom & Entertainment Association. The Band's History
The White Sands Society Dance Band was formed as a spin-off
of the Emerald Coast Community Band in 1981. A 300-tune library was
purchased from a retiring Ohio band leader and the Emerald Coast had its
first Big Band. The first gig was backing up the first Bob Hope Show in
Ft. Walton Beach under the direction of Les Brown. The band played at
local Officer and NCO clubs, resorts, military reunions and club dances as
well as numerous pro bono civic and community events from 1982 until 1989.
Many of these events showcased the talents of vocalist Gloria Frazier and
organist/songwriter/arranger/vocalist Warren Spencer. The band was absent
from the dancing scene from 1989 to 1991. Revitalized in 1991 as the White
Sands Dance Band, a not-for-profit independent organization, the band
brought new personnel, arrangements and leadership together to enjoy an
annually increasing demand of local dance activity. We change to Orchestra
in 2002, truly reflecting our identity. The professional level of
musicianship and multiple repeat performances given by the White Sands
Orchestra furthers the growth of Big Band Swing sweeping the USA today. |
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