Big Bands, or Jazz Orchestras, were popularized in the early 1930's. This group will have 18 players - saxophones/woodwinds, trombones, trumpets, piano, upright bass, and drumkit. The largest and most popular big bands were led by bandleaders such as Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller.

The Big Band era is usually associated with the 1940's and swing dancing but big bands are still going strong.  Western Michigan University has one of the best jazz orchestra programs in the country.

Here's an example of a contemporary use of the big band sound from the movie "The Incredibles."

Holiday Set #1

Symphonic Jingle Bells
J.B. 4 Three Please
Funky Bells that Jingle
A Jango Tango
The Jingle Bell Express (all aboard!)
A Holiday Abstraction
Swingin’ In Bells
A Soft Shoe Holiday Thought
Jingle Bell Finale

O Tannenbaum

Intermission

Billy Strayhorn's arr. the Nutcracker Suite for the Duke Ellington Orchestra

Holiday Set #2

You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch
We Three Kings
O Holy Night
Joy to the World

Approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes with intermission

Whenever you want! Seriously, the tradition of clapping only at the end of pieces was only for a short time in the history of music. Typically, people like to clap after a great solo in a jazz tune, an impressive dance move, or after a great movement (section) in a symphony. If you really like a piece, clap at the end of the movement and yell "encore" if you want to hear more. (we love playing encores!)

Tickets start at $16 for adults and $16 for students and go up to $53 based on the seat location. The least expensive seats are at the back of the balcony and the front closest to the stage.

Here are some other helpful tips you should know as well:

1. The best deal comes when you don’t wait until the very last minute to order tickets. We never offer last minute discounts because we don’t want to undercut patrons who already purchased their seats. Whenever you see a concert you’d like to attend, you get the best seats by not waiting.

2. Another way to save is to buy a subscription. This can be in the form of season tickets, where we often have deals such as “3 concerts for $45,” Contact us at 269-963-1911 and we'd be more than happy to find a deal for you. 22-23 Ticket Order Form

3. If you’re a student on a budget, be sure to bring your student ID for great discounts.

More than anything, we want you to have fun and express your own style when you come to the Battle Creek Symphony, so dress in a way that works for you. Some people love dressing up and going out—if that’s you, do it and you won’t be the only one, we promise. If you prefer to be more casual, then you probably won’t be the only one dressed casually, either. In short, you do you, and we’re just glad you’re joining us.

The most popular option is the library parking lot right in front of WK Kellogg Auditorium, or the school parking lot in the back.  We have entrances open on both sides beginning at 6:30.

For the Big Band Christmas concert, you might want to plan ahead because downtown will be busy. Think about coming early and enjoying a meal at one of our wonderful local restaurants.