Harmony Enterprises, Inc. is one of the major financial contributors to promote the Big Band Bash for the Fillmore Central Jazz Bands. The Annual Big Band Bash on May 2, 2015, was truly spectacular with over 350 people attending the sold out event. The Big Band Bash Event includes a meal and entertainment by the Fillmore Central Jazz Bands.
Big Band Bash Entertainment this year included:
- 7-8th grade Jazz Orchestra
- 9-12th grade Jazz Ensemble
- Alumni Band (included for the first time this year, plan is to bring back every four years)
How the Big Band Bash Fundraiser Originated
Lane Powell is the Band Director for Fillmore Central High School. Lane explained, “The Big Band Bash in its current format originated in 2003 at Fillmore Central. They had done the event previously, but without dinner or guest artists. I had used the current format when I taught in Cambridge, IL and Cresco, IA, prior to coming to Fillmore Central.I thought it would be a fun way to promote jazz, our bands, while still doing a fundraiser. What a better way to earn money for your program, than selling what it is you do, rather than a product people might not really want.”
Big Band Bash – for the Community, by the Community
Lane is proud of how the local community including businesses, organizations, school administration and staff, and students, have come together to help support the event. He pointed out, “The community support, the financial contributions by local businesses and the support of the Harmony Arts Board, The Preston Arts Council, and the SE MN Arts Board has been tremendous. It allows us to bring in professional jazz artists to the area to work with our students one on one, as well as to perform live jazz music within our community. Our school administration and teachers are also extremely supportive of this annual endeavor.”
The Big Band Bash is just one more reason why Harmony Enterprises Inc. is proud to call Harmony, Minnesota it’s home base.
