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  • PHOTO BY GARY ZUPANCIC/WIMBERLEY VIEW
    The Hill Country Jazz Bands played Big Band at the Blue Hole last April.

Big Band, Dance Band

A new band has been formed in the valley and soon people will be dancing to “String of Pearls,” “Take the A Train,” and other big band dance tunes. Concentrating on songs you can dance to, the band consists of professional musicians and volunteers aged 16 to 90, who were formed from around Wimberley and the surrounding area.

“The members are a few local students from the high school and college, also retired music educators, professional musicians, and people who want to keep playing their instruments with an all volunteer big band…We felt the name Wimberley Valley Big Band was more descriptive of the type of dance music sought after by the local public, “ said Doug Gillory, Director of the WVBB. “(We have) the core of the Hill Country Jazz Band … we have five ladies in our band.”

They are a 501 (3) c, non-profit and are asking for support, grants and donations to help with costs. “We’re in one of the best places to be, fifteen miles to Dripping Springs and 15 miles to San Marcos,” Gillory said. “The music arrangements are the same as Duke Ellington, Glen Miller, Sinatra.”

The band is also looking for volunteer musicians of all levels, retired band directors, chorale directors, and people who love and want to play big band music. “Lots of waltzes and fox trots. Ballroom dancing wannabe dancers… old standards that the public will instantly recognize.”

The band is also hoping to educate the public on big band music and to reach out to the local schools’ music and dance programs. They have a pretty active schedule and will be playing at the Community Center. They are planning a big New Years Eve party with details soon. All listings are at the Wimberley Community Center.

• Sunday October 28 at 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Free to Public)

• Sunday, November 1 at 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Wimberley Library Fundraiser

• December 9 at 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Free to Public)

• December 31 at 9:00 – 12:00 p.m. (Tickets for sale)

If you are interested in joining or have questions about the Wimberley Valley Big Band, email hillcountryjazzband@gmail .com.

Wimberley View

P.O. Box 49
Wimberley, TX 78676
Phone: 512-847-2202
Fax: 512-847-9054