Meghan Zimbler
Photo Editor
Family Weekend is one to remember, especially with all the events planned throughout campus for three straight days.
This year, the Office of Student Activities is mixing the program up a bit with the Big Band Swing, featuring The O-Tones Big Band.
The O-Tones Big Band are based in the heart of New England, traveling to Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Vermont, Rhode Island and New Hampshire for weddings and different events. It includes a 15-piece band with the full complement of horns playing classic swing music arrangements.
Playing a variety of different music, the O-Tones use different arrangements from Frank Sinatra to Michael Bublé. The band’s website reads, “the older generation feels nostalgic while the younger crowd comes alive hearing the compelling rhythm and melodies.”
The idea of the O-Tones coming to campus for Family Weekend was brought up by Associate Professor in the School of Arts Department, Christopher Haynes. Haynes plays for the O-Tones as a piano player.
“We are going to be able to have a fun night. It is nice that the families of students will be able to get to see us perform…I think it will be a very vibrant, upbeat night,” Haynes said.
From 7 to 7:30 p.m., there will be a beginners’ swing dance lesson, so the crowd will be able to take place in all the dancing and fun the O-Tones have to offer. After that, the band themselves will be performing two sets of music, lasting until 9:30 p.m.
“Anyone can come, there is no cost,” Annie Warchol, the assistant director of Student Activities, said. “We already have about 200 people registered.”
The event will take place in Judd Gymnasia West, so bring your dancing shoes and outfits, because it will be a night to remember.
Meghan Zimbler can be reached at mzimbler@springfieldcollege.edu