Local symphony to play swing music Saturday

By Mark Richmond
Senior Writer

Anyone attending the local symphony this weekend will notice something unusual. The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra will be performing swing music.

The show, "The Golden Age of Swing," features an 80-piece orchestra accompanying a big-band style swing band. This uncommon blend of music style is the creation of David Bowden, a visiting conductor of the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic.

"I can tell you that it's unusual for a symphony orchestra to play big band music," Bowden said. "In fact, there's a big band in the middle of the symphony."

Bowden said that creating a completely new kind of orchestra performance involved some challenges. "The most challenging task was to find the right arrangement between the big band and the orchestra," he said. "When you add the orchestra, it makes it all much richer."

The band is prominently displayed on risers in the middle of the orchestra.

Bowden said anyone wondering what a swing-style orchestra would sound like should "picture it with the vibrant style of swing."

Music from the 1930s era will dominate the performance. Pieces from artists such as Hoagy Carmichael and the Andrews Sisters will be featured. Bowden said, "We're even presenting the Andrews Sisters, impersonated by the Purduette Trio."

Featured artists in the show include Sara Caswell, violinist; Sharron Howard, principle clarinet of Lafayette Symphony Orchestra; and John Huntoon, trombonist.

"Sara's hitting it really big as a jazz violinist," Bowden said. "She's won just about every award and competition you can win and watching her is a visual treat. John is a fabulous big band jazzer — just an awesome player."

But Bowden's résumé is even more impressive. According to a recent press release, Bowden has won many awards and has been broadcast nationwide on National Public Radio.

Although he has guest conducted all over the country, this will be Bowden's first appearance here in Lafayette. "I'd love to come again," he said. "The orchestra here is a real treat and I've enjoyed it a lot."

The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra will be performing at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Ticket prices range from $5 to $23; for more information contact the Lafayette symphony office at 742-6463.

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Local symphony to play swing music Saturday

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