We are the SOS Big Band of Rhode Island and here’s what we’re all about….
The SOS Big Band is a NON-PROFIT organization with the stated objective as referenced in our Constitution:
Purpose & Philosophy
The SOS Big Band was organized for the purpose of preserving and propagating the sound, ambience, and grandeur of the big band “swing” era of the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s by performing period music as it was originally intended to be played. The band is dedicated to continuous improvement of musical artistry. The band’s focus is the music of the 30’s thru 50’s big band swing era, but the band also pursues excellence in other musical styles such as Blues, Latin, traditional and modern Jazz, show tunes, Ballads, Rock & Funk, etc.
Recognized as one of the finest big "swing" bands in the Southern New England area, the SOS Big Band has performed in numerous venues ranging from local jazz clubs to major corporate events such as national sales meetings, conferences, and trade shows to personal events such as birthday parties, weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Christian Confirmations, graduations, reunions, etc. We also perform at various public events such as Arts Festivals, Holiday Season Mall Concerts, Public Libraries, Public Schools, etc. As a non-profit organization, we also frequently provide our services for various philanthropic events, playing concerts for the elderly at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, and fund raising benefit concerts for the homeless, food banks, etc.
We typically “stage” a traditional big band consisting of 5 saxophones (2 alto, 2 tenor, and 1 baritone), 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, and 4 in the rhythm section (keyboards, drums, bass, and guitar). We also typically have 1-3 vocalists and occasionally an Announcer. Thus, the total entourage typically consists of about 18-20 people.
The SOS Big Band provides our own complete audio system to enhance the performance. Although "amplification" is certainly not needed - or desired - for a fully instrumented big band, amplification is provided for vocalists and certain key instrumental solo work. The audio system also provides for professional digital recording of performances. Listed below is a sampling of the audio equipment used by the SOS Big Band....
| * Primary Mixer/Amplifier:
Carvin Pro Sound PA-800C one kilowatt (1,000 watt) 8 channel powered mixer * Speakers: Two Carvin 1540 Club Series 15" 2-way speakers * Microphones: One Shure SM-58 (vocalist), three Shure SM57's (instrumental) * Digital Recording: Lexicon Omega Digital/Audio interface, Dell Computer |