Glenn Miller Press Release

THE WORLD FAMOUS

GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA TO HIGHLIGHT

BALLROOM SPRINKLER GALA

            The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will appear in Newmarket on Saturday, May 14^th in what is expected to be the largest fundraising event for the Friends of the Rockingham Ballroom Sprinkler Fund. The 19 member band is the most sought after big-band, as it was when Glenn Miller himself headed the group. More than half a million people attend the band’s performances each year, and most events are a sellout. Friends of the Ballroom President, Patti Blanchette, is hoping for the same when the band appears in Newmarket for a 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm performance.

            “I still can’t believe that the Glenn Miller Orchestra is willing to come to Newmarket to support us.  This will really be a boost for the sprinkler fund. Glenn Miller himself appeared at the Ballroom. When his “In the Mood” starts playing the dancers cheer and the dance floor is full. I can’t imagine what it will be like when the Glenn Miller Orchestra plays that song. This will be an amazing event for both musicians and dancers.” 

The group consists of five saxophone players, four trombonists, three rhythm musicians, and both a male and female vocalist.Julia Rich, who arranged for the Orchestra’s performance, performed with the group when it last appeared at the Rockingham Ballroom in 1996. “When the band heard about the sprinkler problem we wanted to help. The Ballroom has been a venue for many of the great “big band” performers. We can’t let it close.”

            In addition to playing Glenn Miller’s biggest records like In the Mood, and many of the sounds of the 40’s and World War II, the band’s musical library totals more than 1,700 compositions. The Orchestra has performed for over 25,000 dancers in Buffalo, New York on a 450 foot long dance floor to earn the Guinness Book World Record for the “Largest Dance.”

            Tickets to the Rockingham Ballroom event will be limited to 400, and may be purchased for $50.00 each at FOTRB.org or through the Friends of the Rockingham Ballroom Facebook page or at the ballroom, or by sending  checks to the Friends of the Rockingham Ballroom, 22 Ashswamp Road, Newmarket NH 03857.  The ticket price includes a light sandwich buffet, served from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. only. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities in the evening’s program book are also available through April 30^th. For information on advertising call Friends Treasurer, Rebecca Myers,  at (603) 431-7224.