SWINGTOPIA\'S MUSIC
Most of our arrangements were written specifically for our instrumentation of three saxophones, trumpet, trombone, and rhythm section by the noted big band arranger Sammy Nestico during the time that he that he was in Washington DC, in the 1950s and 1960s, leading and writing arrangements for the Airmen of Note and the Marine Band combo. Previously Sammy had played trombone in Tommy Dorseys band and Woody Hermans band, and he became a staff arranger for ABC at age 17. After leaving the DC area, Sammy moved to Los Angeles and went on to compose and arrange for Count Basie and many others. In more recent years he has scored for movies and over 70 different television shows.
Many of Sammy Nestico\'s compositions are staples of the big band repertoire. We are extremely proud to have his outstanding octet arrangements as the basis of our extensive repertoire.
If you would like to hear some examples of Sammy Nestico\'s excellent writing, be sure to follow this link to hear our sound clips and watch our videos.
Sammy Nestico, Cyndy Elliott, and Doug Elliott
at the Airmen of Note 60th Anniversary celebration in September 2010