The Harry James Orchestra, directed by Fred Radke, had its fourth annual performance at the Searle Center on Nov. 5.

The orchestra specializes in jazz and big band music from the early 20th century. Radke has directed the Harry James Orchestra since 1989, a year after trumpet player and composer Harry James’s death. 

“It’s a pleasure to occupy the place that the great Harry James once occupied for 40 years,” Radke said.

The orchestra competed against the college’s Big Band on Nov. 4 in the second annual Battle of the Bands.

The orchestra played some of the material from the Battle of the Bands, as well as some new material including Harold Arlen’s “That Old Black Magic,” Phil Boutelje and Dick Winfree’s “China Boy,” Mark Gordon’s “You’ll Never Know,” and Henry Mancini’s “Moon River.” 

About 400 students and friends of the college were present, according to sophomore and music department employee Sophie Webster. 

“It was nice to see a lot of people from the music department in attendance,” Webster said. “All of the jazz instrumentalists were there, but it was nice to see support from the rest of the faculty as well.” 

As the orchestra began to play, students began to do swing dance to the energetic music, including Lindy Hop, Charleston, and hustle styles of swing.

“I really appreciate being able to meet people and have social dances as a part of my college experience,” freshman Alba Blanco Padrón said. “It was also cool to see professors and their wives dancing.”

Padrón says that the dance floor was packed with people.

Students also danced prior to the concert, during which student ensembles played jazz and swing in the lobby and Searle Center, including Charis and the Valley Cats,

Charis and the Valley Cats is a student-run ensemble that features Charis Linton on the guitar, Vicky Brown on the bass, Matt Bryne on piano, and Carter Floering on the saxophone. Christ McCourry is the drummer and the group’s faculty director. 

“I really enjoyed the Harry James Orchestra, but the set bands were a lot of fun,” sophomore Natalie Parker said. “Charis was great, and I enjoyed dancing to the music.”

Webster says that the professionalism of the Harry James Orchestra is noticeable.

“They have such a high caliber of performance as musicians,” Webster said. “The Harry James Orchestra cares about their craft and the musicians have a really high quality.”

The orchestra blended well together, but sophomore Jacob Schulz said he enjoyed listening to Fred Radke’s features within the music.

“Fred Radke let loose and flexed on all of us with his trumpet,” sophomore Jacob Schulz said.

Webster said that she particularly liked when the orchestra played a song with sentimental value to the musicians.

“I loved ‘You’ll Never Know,’ and the fact that Fred Radke talked about how the orchestra made the song famous during the second world war,” Webster said. 

Padrón also said that she enjoyed the stories, but that the music catered towards dancers.

“I liked the orchestra’s personal stories about what the pieces they played meant to them,” Padrón said.

Students also enjoyed the return to music from the 20th century, said senior John Gleason.

“This was the best event I’ve attended during all of my time here, and I’m a senior,” Gleason said. “Please, SAB, ditch the cover band and bring in jazz for student dances!”