Member of the Orchestra:
First performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra in September 1987, bandleader since 2024.

My role in three words:
Boss, organizer, complaints box

My favourite piece:
St Louis Blues March. The arrangement spans a beautiful arc of suspense.

What’s special about tour life with the orchestra is…
that we are on the road a lot, visiting great cities and concert venues. We’re making people happy – and are getting on like a house on fire. I really do appreciate that!

Glenn Miller sound to me is…
Unique. Especially the “sweet sound”. The clarinet in the lead is so soft and gentle.

An unforgettable performance:
At the antique Teatro Greco in Taormina, Sicily. We played at this open-air theatre on January 1^st with a view of Mt. Etna.

Quote:
“Being the leader of the Glenn Miller Orchestra is the fulfilment of my professional dream.”

Member of the orchestra:
As vocalist I am part of the ensemble since 2017.

My favourite piece:
„Somewhere Over The Rainbow.“ The dramaturgy is simply perfect. Singing it, I feel as though I can fly.

This is what makes the Glenn Miller sound:
The “sweet sound” with the clarinet in the lead takes me to a time during which I would love to have lived – when Jazz was the most popular music.

Favourite reaction from the audience:
“In the Mood” obviously! and the second best is probably the trumpet feature in “I’ll Be Seeing You”.

I would love to have a part in this piece:
I’d love to sing the trumpet solo in Song of India.

Life on Tour:
Sometimes it feels as though the rest of my life was on hold. I can forget about everything; all that matters is the next concert.

Quote:
“Swing is like a religion – at least in so far as it takes you to a better place.”

Member of the orchestra:
Since 2024.

My favourite piece:
Moonlight Serenade – a beautiful piece with wonderful harmonies, that touches the soul.

My greatest challenge:
Bugle Call Rag – technically ambitious and pretty fast.

My dream solo:
What a Wonderful World – I could show off all my passion for beautiful melodies.

What’s special about life on tour:
Visiting new cities and doing things together with colleagues.

My role models:
Oscar Peterson, Bill Charlap and Kenny Kirkland have influenced my style.

Passing on a passion for swing:
That’s hard to explain – it would be best to come to a concert to see and hear for yourself!

Quote:
“The audience’s response to In the Mood – that’s pure energy!”

Member of the orchestra:
Since 2006. The year before I joined a tour for three weeks. One of the concerts was recorded for “The Very Best of Live”, even. Such an honour and sign of trust in me. I was only 24 years old at the time.

My favourite piece by Glenn Miller:
Perfidia, a composition by the Dominguez-brothers from Mexico. I am a music professor in Mexico since 2021, this is why playing this piece is always special for me.

My greatest challenge:
The Bugle Call Rag – an up-tempo song with an open drum solo.

Favourite audience reactions:
In the Mood makes the audience get off their seats, scream, laugh and dance immediately.

The most beautiful concert venue:
Being born in Amsterdam, it has to be the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. I love seeing friends and family in the audience.

Quote:
“It makes me happy to see the audience getting carried away.”

Member of the orchestra:
Permanent member since 2000, but as a cover since 1992.

My favourite piece:
I Know Why – a beautiful melody and a Glenn Miller classic, which unites everything that makes the “sweet sound”.

My greatest challenge:
Playing the fast drums features like Anchors Aweigh or Bugle Call Rag at a high tempo.

What is special about life on tour:
Even after all these years it still feels like a class trip, familial and fun.

An unforgettable performance:
The New Year concert in Taormina. Open-Air – with a view of erupting Mt. Etna.

My favourite venue:
The KKL in Lucerne. Visually impressive, acoustically excellent and in a unique location by Lake Lucerne.

Quote:
“To me swing is pure energy.”

Member of the orchestra:
First performed with the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 2005, joined in 2009, lead-trumpet since 2020.

My favorite piece:
Yes, my darling daughter. A less known song full of dynamic and versatility.

My greatest challenge:
Orange Coloured Sky at the end of the set – spiked with high notes that need to come out crisp and clean having performed numerous songs before.

Best reactions from the audience:
In the Mood has to be the greatest Miller hit of all time. No one stays in their seats! I love the audiences’ reaction – finally they get to hear what they came for.

What’s special about tour life is…
the atmosphere of the group. We are like family and get on famously, still.

This sets us apart from other big bands:
We are great at “bouncing”; our sound is light and energetic.

Quote:
“Swing generates such positive energy every night. This makes it timeless!”

Member of the orchestra:
Joined in 2022, covered regularly in the six years prior.

My favourite piece:
In the Mood – everyone in the band gets to come forward and play together. The audience love that!

My role in the orchestra:
I get to add something new – with my background in jazz, latin and pop.

What’s special about tour life:
Having a great time with great colleagues after the concert.

An unforgettable performance:
Performing in an antique amphitheatre with a stunning view in Austria.

My greatest challenge:
Trumpet Blues takes me to my technical limits.

To me swing is:
Creating a great atmosphere.

Quote:
“This music touches the souls of young and old.”

Member of the orchestra:
Since 2022 as a cover for all trumpets, joined in September 2024.

My favourite piece:
American Patrol. We like playing this after less well-known pieces and the audience joins in immediately, every time.

My musical background:
I started with musical studies, followed by lead trumpet and pop in Maastricht.

What is special about life on tour:
Playing music with such experienced musicians is incredibly inspiring – all of us are giving 100% every night.

Differences in the audiences:
In larger cities, more young people attend, in smaller places the audience is rather older and nostalgic.

What I learned:
Keeping the focus high, although the pieces are always the same. This is something I learned here.

Quote:
“We never tire of giving it our everything, every night.”

Member of the orchestra:
Covering since 2020, permanent member since 2023.

My favourite piece:
In the Mood – it is fabulous to see what this song does to the audience, time and again.

My greatest challenge:
Trumpet Blues by Harry James challenges me technically the most.

What’s special about life on tour:
Getting to know new cities, people and cultures and performing on stage with exceptional musicians.

An unforgettable performance:
Playing the sold out KKL in Lucerne for the first time.

What I learned:
No matter how you feel, on stage you deliver, and you fill your place in the band.

Quote:
When I hear the first bar of In the Mood, I know: Showtime!

Member of the orchestra:
Since 1996 – I have more than 35 years of experience, playing over 5000 concerts in more than 75 countries.

My role in three words:
TOP delivery, always!

Swing music means to me:
Joy of life, entertainment, and fun!

My greatest challenge:
Playing the style well requires my full attention and love of detail time and again.

The best reactions from the audiences:
When the people sense that the band “is on fire” and having a fantastic time on stage.

What’s special about life on tour is…
Travelling together with great people and giving it your all every night.

The most beautiful concert venue to me:
KKL Lucerne, Berlin Philharmonic, Municipal House Prague – there are so many great locations!

Being a member of the orchestra means…
Recognition and respect for the music – and the audience.

Quote:
“No matter if young or old; the spark always flies!”

Member of the orchestra:
Since 1995 I am a freelance third trombone and technical assistant.

My favourite piece:
Tuxedo Junction – it always works for the audience.

Technical challenge:
The trombone solos…

What’s special about life on tour:
The sheer number of countries and concert venues we have the chance of getting to know.

The most beautiful concert venue:
To me, it is the Old Opera in Frankfurt.

Swing means to me…
a way of life.

The most valuable experience with the orchestra:
practicing patience.

Quote:
“It is a joy, keeping this music alive for younger generations.”

Member of the orchestra:
Since March 1987 as a cover, permanent member since 1991.

How do you explain the fascination with swing music to young people?
I tell them: guys, listen to this live! The energy, the interplay of the musicians, the sound of the big band – you have to feel it! Many are surprised, how much they like it, even if they did not know it at all.

The most breath-taking concert venue:
I know so many beautiful venues – if I had to pick one, it would have to be: the Ateneul Roman in Bucharest.

An unforgettable performance:
The trombone festival in Lille 2025 – the hall was full of young enthusiastic trombonists, and they went wild from the first note. Towards the end of the concert the whole thing turned into a party. They made so much noise that my ears were ringing for some time afterwards!

Quote:
“Swing is timeless – it grooves, connects and simply puts you in a good mood.”

Member of the orchestra:
I am a member from concert no. 1 in 1985 – so for more than 5000 concerts.

My favourite piece:
Chattanooga Choo Choo – this groove simply swings particularly well.

An unforgettable performance:
Our very first performance in Hof, Bavaria, in 1985. There were an incredible number of photographers. I thought, that’s what it will be like from now, ha-ha!

Special concerts:
The performances in the East after the Fall of the Berlin Wall – the audiences were so thrilled, amiable and grateful!

On Glenn Miller today:
He’d be pleased with the incredible standard of the musicians, which is even higher than it was in his time.

International differences:
The Dutch and the Germans dance much less than the Italians – Glenn would love that.

Quote:
“Being part of the orchestra since the very first concert, this actually makes me proud.”

Member of the orchestra:
Since 2000 as a cover, permanent member since 2021. Quipster from day one.

My greatest challenge:
Bugle Call Rag – I cannot even play this fast!

The most beautiful venue:
To me it is the Music Hall in Prague.

Life on tour:
Fresh fruit, a lot of movement and Sunday service.

How does the audience differ?
The audiences abroad are mostly younger and show their appreciation throughout the concert.

How do you explain the fascination of swing to young people?
It is the pop music of past times. People feel reminded of their youth, first loves and perhaps youthful indiscretions. This music is also a little sexy.

This is what I appreciate on tour:
The reliability, the professionalism, and the sense of community.

Quote:
“When the curtain rises and Moonlight Serenade begins – that’s always a very special moment!”

Member of the orchestra:
Since 2000 – for 25 years already!

My favourite piece:
Chattanooga Choo Choo – the arrangement heightens and is so inventive in such a short time span.

What makes the Glenn Miller sound:
The singular role of the clarinet makes the sound special.

My greatest challenge:
The hight tempo of Bugle Call Rag challenges me every time anew.

My favourite concert hall:
The Gewandhaus in Leipzig – a dream for every musician.

What I learned in the orchestra:
Iron discipline and how to be part of a perfect team – this is how we carry on Glenn Miller’s legacy.

Quote:
“This music is the fulfilment of my life’s dream.”

Member of the orchestra:
First performances 2008, permanent member since 2011.

My favourite piece:
Often, I prefer the less known pieces to the “Greatest hits”. Especially the vocal ballads are a dream – timeless melodies with colourful harmonies and lyrics, which still tell stories. This is something I miss in contemporary pop.

To me the Glenn Miller sound is…
very special. Particularly the ballads with their warm, soft sound.

The most beautiful venue…
As a Hessian it has to be the Old Opera in Frankfurt. And the KKL in Lucerne is one of the most beautiful venues in Europe.

What is special about life on tour…
Is that we are such highly qualified musicians, who try to perform the music to the best standard each and every evening. This is not a matter of course with an orchestra playing so many performances per year.

Quote:
“We are a band who are there for each other – on stage and otherwise.”

Member of the orchestra:
In 2009 I covered for a colleague, who unexpectedly fell ill, and played the entire concert from the sheet without ever having seen the scores before; it feels as though I aged ten years during that performance.

My role in three words:
Clarinet, saxophone, skat.

My favourite piece:
Far away Places – the band plays together particularly sensitively and the melody is beautifully melting.

Being part of the orchestra means…
Routine and confidence. Playing here is the best education for me, still! You learn to deliver your best without flinching, no matter what the conditions.

What is special about life on tour…
How well we all get on with the demanding life on tour. There are surprisingly few complaints.

Quote:
“Swing is the reason I had to become a musician.”

Member of the orchestra:
Switching the buttons and offering technical expertise since 1996.

My role in one sentence:
Creating the perfect balance.

My favourite piece:
One o’Clock Jump because it combines a fantastic drive and playful dynamics.

Swing means:
Moving your feet!

This is what I like about life on tour:
Being on the move and experiencing adventures. We always encounter people who embrace and love our music.

Unforgettable moments:
Mixing in Moscow.

The most beautiful concert venue:
Milan and Lucerne.

Most precious:
Working together as a team.

How do you explain the magic of swing to young people?
Swing gets into your body, that says it all.

Quote:
“Being a part of the Glenn Miller legacy really means a lot to me!”