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Frequently Asked
Questions
Want to know more about Shades
of Blue? We have some
frequently asked questions & answers listed here for your review.
- OK, is it an "orchestra"
or a "big band?"
Well, both labels apply. We have always been known
as The Shades of Blue
Orchestra or just Shades of Blue. An "orchestra" is defined as "a company of
performers on various musical instruments, including especially stringed, brass, and
percussion instruments, for playing concert music..." Often groups such as
ours are called orchestras. Consider the Brian Setzer Orchestra, an outstanding
swingin' Big Band currently touring the nation. As well, "Big Band" is
currently the label applied to music groups that offer instrumentation and sound
re-creation of the 30's & 40's Big Bands.
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- How long has Shades
of Blue been together as a Big Band
ensemble?
The Shades
of Blue Orchestra was formed in 1976, and has been
performing throughout the area since that time.
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There are 21 musicians that make up Shades
of Blue. The Orchestra has
5 saxophones, 5 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums -- for a total of
18. We have a conductor and 2 vocalists (when available) -- that brings the total to
21. We also have two outstanding sound engineers that work with the band.
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The Big Band is largely an acoustic
ensemble. As such, you have tremendous control over the volume level -- from loud,
brassy passages to the sweetest of soft passages. That's what makes a Big Band so
exciting and musically interesting. The guitar, piano, and bass are the only
instruments that are constantly amplified. The wind instruments are occasionally
amplified for solos and this depends on our performance location. Otherwise, the PA
system is used for vocals and announcing. We have played affairs where dinner was
being served and guests were seated as close as 8 feet from the bandstand. With a
"laid-back" song selection and liberal use of mutes by the brass sections, we
offered a very tasteful presentation of background music. When it came time to
deliver kickin' Big Band music, we were right there. That's the versatility of a Big
Band!
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Generally, we can set-up comfortably in an
area 24 feet wide by 16 feet deep. You often find that smaller, amplified combos
need this much space to accommodate their sound system and other electronic
equipment. As a largely acoustic ensemble, we are able to seat more musicians in a
given area than a group with significant amounts of electronic equipment.
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Our needs are relatively simple. In
the bandstand area, we request access to two 20 amp circuits for our equipment
and music stand lights. We ask that you or the facility hosting your event provide
14 chairs for the band's use. That's about it. As far as equipment delivery
and set-up go, we typically scout (in advance) any location where we have not previously
played. We look for the best location to park and unload, and for the best route to
move equipment to the bandstand area. Our aim is to be as discrete as possible as we
arrive and set-up. The best locations for us are those that have short distances
between arrival door and bandstand, and where the bandstand is located away from areas
where guests first gather upon arrival (such as a cocktail reception area).
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The Shades
of Blue Orchestra is billed as a Big Band and performs
as such. Our music is arranged for full Big Band and is best served with a full
complement of instruments and musicians. On occasion, we provide a small combo
and/or pianist to play limited portions of an event such as a social hour, cocktail
reception, or dinner set. These offerings are a lead-in to a performance by the full
Big Band as the event progresses.
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For most events we are dressed in black
tuxes with white shirts and black bow ties. This "uniform" provides a
classic and fitting complement to any up-scale event -- especially an affair that offers
musical entertainment by a Big Band orchestra. We are able to "dress down"
as well for less formal events or those that offer a leisure theme. Our goal is to
provide a professional appearance to complement a professional delivery of musical
entertainment.
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We have a very diverse
repertoire with
music styles from the 30's to the 90's. What's important is that all of the music we
perform is in a dance band or stage band style. That means that all of the
selections, regardless of music style, are arranged for full brass, sax, and rhythm
sections -- just like you'd expect from a Big Band. We play swing, rock,
standard ballads, popular ballads, latin, retro, waltzes, polkas, and miscellaneous
selections. Of course, swing is the thing when it comes to a Big Band. And
the resurgence of swing has brought people of all generations onto the dance floor.
Yet we are able to play energetic 50's Rock & Roll, 60's Motown selections, rock and
ballads from the 70's & 80's, high-energy 90's swing tunes, and for those who like
ballroom dancing, some great latin tunes, waltzes, and polkas. We enjoy a mixed
crowd and are prepared with a diverse repertoire. As such, it is rare that anyone
departs from a Shades of Blue performance saying they did not hear something they liked.
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We do our best to respond to special song
requests for events. We have numerous sources for published music for Big Band
ensemble. But 'published' is the key word. If we are not able to find a
published arrangement, we can sometimes assemble our own arrangement. There may be a
charge for a custom arrangement provided by the Orchestra. Please let us know what
you're looking for and we'll do our best to meet your needs.
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First, we would hope that the person has
some singing ability. And to be properly prepared for your event, we would request
that the individual provide his or her preferred musical arrangement and have a rehearsal
session with the group. Our commitment to you is to deliver the highest professional
standards in musical entertainment. For any special entertainment arrangements we
strive to be properly prepared and rehearsed.
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Over the last two decades, we have performed
at many venues in the Mid-Atlantic area. Our geographic "range" thus far
has been as far north as south central Pennsylvania, as far east as the Eastern shore of
Maryland, as far south as Northern Virginia, and as far west as Western Maryland. We
welcome opportunities to perform beyond these geographic boundaries.
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Our contract fees vary and are determined by
several factors including date of event, location of event, duration of event, date of
contract, and special entertainment arrangements. You will find that the Orchestra
is very affordable. Please call or e-mail us for further information.
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We require a 30% non-refundable deposit
along with a signed contractual agreement. The balance is due in full upon
conclusion of the performance. Payment may be made by check or cash. Up-front
payment for special entertainment arrangements (for example, music arrangements) may be
required.
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Unfortunately, no. Holding a date
means that we must assign that date to our musicians in order to have them committed and
available for that event. Therefore, we must have a signed contract and a deposit in
order to reserve a date.
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It is not unusual for us to have bookings up
to a year in advance. It is advisable to book the band as early as possible to
insure that the band of your choice is available for your event.
Top
For further information or inquiry, please
send e-mail directly to SBOmail[at]shades-of-blue[period]com -- (Please convert to standard email address link.)
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