The Bryan College Music Department presents Swingtime Orchestra in the first fine arts concert of the year, on Friday. This concert features vocalist Michael Smith, a ’93 Bryan alumnus, and director Ralph Miller, and showcases a variety of big band era music. Musical selections will include “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Stardust,” and “In the Mood.”
The Swingtime Orchestra from Chattanooga has been playing big band music since 1998. The band has performed for numerous events at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center and the Hamilton County Fair, along with events sponsored by the Chattanooga Downtown Partnership. These include Swingfest, the Grand Illumination, the Holiday Parade at Miller Plaza and The Tennessee Aquarium. Band members are a cross section of professional musicians, band directors, and music teachers from the southeast Tennessee and north Georgia areas. The band often features two singers: India Galyean of Calhoun, and for the concert at Bryan College, Michael Smith.
Dr. Mel Wilhoit, professor and head of the music department, looks forward to the concert. “American swing music is always popular with all ages and classes,” he said. “The music department is excited to begin our concert series with this performance. And we are especially excited to have alumnus Michael Smith performing with us.”
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Rudd Auditorium on the Bryan campus. Tickets are $5 and are available daily at the box office in Rudd Auditorium; through the Lions Pride Campus Store at 775-7271; or online.