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Linda Cajigas
Jacobs School of Music
lcajigas@indiana.edu
(812) 856-5719

Last modified: Friday, April 9, 2010

IU celebrates Big Band Extravaganza 2010

Program features the Sean Baker Singers

WHAT: "Celebrating the Golden Age of the Big Band Era," presented by the IU Jacobs School of Music
WHEN: Saturday, April 24, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Musical Arts Center
TICKETS: Tickets are $10-25 for adults and $8 for students and are available at the MAC Box Office (812-855-7433), online at www.music.indiana.edu/events or through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2010

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music will host its annual Big Band Extravaganza Saturday, April 24, at 8 p.m. in the Musical Arts Center.

The Jacobs School of Music will present its annual Big Band Extravaganza April 24.

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The program will feature two student big bands led by IU jazz faculty members David N. Baker and Brent Wallarab. This year's extravaganza will be a departure from recent years in several ways, with a greater focus on authentic dance band music from the mid 1930s to the 1940s.

"In an effort to truly capture the sound of a distinct era of popular American culture, the music programmed for this concert will be completely faithful to the time period known as the Big Band Era, 1935-1945," said Wallarab.

"In addition, we are presenting the traditional big band vocal tradition by having several of the great singing groups represented -- The Modernaires (Glenn Miller), The Pied Pipers (Tommy Dorsey) and the Andrew Sisters," he said. "Some of the great vocal solos will be represented as well. The Sean Baker Singers from Indianapolis, led by Jacobs alumnus Sean Baker, and Jacobs doctoral music education student Lauren Hime bring with them a wealth of experience and a true love and respect for this era of popular music."

The audience can also swing to music from some of the great Harlem dance bands, including Duke Ellington, Chick Webb and Jimmie Lunceford. An added feature will be introducing each band with its theme song.

A staple that won't change is the climax of the evening, when Baker's and Wallarab's bands join together for the grand finale: Benny Goodman's rousing Sing, Sing, Sing.

Wallarab said the music requires tremendous musicianship and provides a valuable experience for Jacobs students. It also serves as a reminder to audiences of a time when jazz was the most popular music of the day.

"The student musicians are exhibiting tremendous enthusiasm for this music and the program promises to be one of the most entertaining in recent years," said Wallarab.