Glenn Miller Orchestra to Swing into Island University on Feb. 16

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Characterized by upbeat trombones, smooth saxophones, fiery trumpets, and a pop rhythm, the Swing Era is a high-water mark of American musical form.

Today, we can relive that era through touring bands like the world-renowned Glenn Miller Orchestra. Coastal Bend residents and Islander students can enjoy many of Glenn Miller’s popular original arrangements like “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and “In the Mood” during the Glenn Miller Orchestra Valentine’s Concert on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Ticket prices range from $25 to $35, and Islander student tickets are $7 with a valid SandDollar$ ID. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the PAC box office or online at the box office website.

“The Glenn Miller Orchestra was the Elvis (Presley) or The Beatles of its day,” said Nick Hilscher, Glenn Miller Orchestra music director. “The sound of that era is alive and well. Our talented musicians present the music as if it was just recorded yesterday.”

Hilscher is a first-rate singer of the American Songbook. The Atlanta, Georgia, native worked with the Glenn Miller Orchestra as a vocalist on and off from 1998 to 2005. He returned to the orchestra as the music director and a vocalist in 2012. His early musical influences were Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, and Tommy Dorsey. According to Hilscher, performing with the Glenn Miller Orchestra is a dream come true.

“Glenn Miller was my introduction to this era of American music—the big band sound,” said Hilscher. “It’s been a passion for most of my life.”

The Glenn Miller Orchestra is a fully self-contained group consisting of the music director, five saxophone players, four trumpeters, four trombonists, and three rhythm musicians (piano, bass, and drums). In addition, there are two vocalists: Hilscher, and jazz specialist Hannah Truckenbrod.

As one of the most sought-after big bands in the world, the orchestra plays an average of 200 live dates a year all around the globe. It has performed in all 50 states, as well as throughout Europe, Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Guam, Philippines, South and Central America, as well as Japan.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra Valentine’s Concert is part of the Furgason Bravo! Series. For more information, visit the Bravo! Series website.