About The Band

The 18-piece Beantown Swing Orchestra specializes in the performance and education of big band swing, one of the most popular and sophisticated forms of American music ever created.  The combination of vintage, acoustic instruments with superior musicianship produces the distinct big band sound recognized by generations worldwide.  With a rotating roster of young and talented musicians capable of mastering and perpetuating this great music, the band is well on its way to achieving its mission of bringing swing back into the mainstream for all to enjoy.  

Swing And Teens

The music of the Swing Era (1935-1946) was so popular among teenagers that it dominated the airwaves across the world with its infectious dance beat, exciting horn harmonies, and cheerful lyrics.  Instrumentalists were idolized for their musicality and technical mastery and were young and energetic, with most of them in their twenties.  This came to an end after WWII, when the microphone brought stardom to the vocalist while bands became reduced in size with a focus on the singer that continues to this day.

The Beantown Swing Orchestra strives to bring recognition back to young players and the beautifully handcrafted instruments that were used during the Swing Era.  To achieve this, the band recruits talented students in high school and middle school and trains them on professionally-restored pre-WWII instruments that the band provides.  Once our musicians reach college age and have years of gigging experience behind them, many become mentors and teach the younger incoming players, thereby helping to perpetuate the performance of this timeless music.

1923 Buescher True Tone alto sax
played by Emma Lacy
1947 Epiphone Broadway guitar
played by Kate Possi
1926 King Liberty trumpet
played by Colin O'Toole
1947 Buescher True Tone trombone
played by Sophie Richardson
1937 Conn 424N clarinet
played by Honor Hickman
1919 Conn New Wonder bari sax
played by Matt Walsh
1923 Buescher True Tone alto sax
played by Honor Hickman
1940 Olds Standard trumpet
played by Richie Thaller
1938 Epiphone Broadway guitar
played by Perry Wilson
Previous
Next

The Future of Big Band Swing

Eighty years after the Swing Era, the Beantown Swing Orchestra picks up where those bands left off.

As a result of our training program and dedication to authenticity, we are well equipped to perform Swing Era music like the bands of the 1930s and 1940s.   Modern teens enjoy dancing to this classic music when performed by us in a fun and energetic environment.  In today’s world of bullying, mindless pop songs, and addictive screens, youngsters can benefit once again from a healthy dose of swing.