The Woody Herman Orchestra

It's Now And Ever!

Critics universally agree that The Woody Herman Orchestra lives up to the legend of the Herman name that has been synonymous for energy and swing for more than half a century.

The Orchestra remains a soloist-oriented jazz ensemble which is not content to relive the glories of the past. Instead, the influence of Woody Herman encourages the young jazz musicians to express themselves using the band's original unique style as the basis for that expression.

To please any audience, The Thundering Herd travels with a book of some 100 arrangements. And it continues to play to cheering, appreciative audiences across the globe.

In June of 1996 the Woody Herman Orchestra received rave reviews for a standing room only performance at Carnegie Hall and then left for a successful Scandinavian tour as well as performances in Spain and Portugal.

The Orchestra just completed a triumphant residency and concert at the University of Florida, performed at the 70th Anniversary gala of the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida and dazzled the cruise passengers this spring on Norwegian Cruise Line’s SS Norway.

The talented young musicians perform at affairs of all kinds and for all occasions including presidential inaugurations, Grammy Awards, Big Band cruises, many major charity fundraisers, corporate functions, weddings, anniversaries, class reunions and more.

The musicians especially enjoy performing at high schools, colleges and universities which are frequently accompanied by clinics for the aspiring young jazz musicians. One of the most successful and respected bandleaders of all time, Woody Herman was a vital presence on the American music scene for more than 50 years. Today, Woody's inimitable spirit and musical legacy live on in the dynamic big band sound of The Thundering Herd.



The Best Big Band In The Country Today!

The Woody Herman Orchestra of today maintains the youthful vitality and versatility that characterized it in years past, mixing classics from the Herman bands of old with new charts arranged to suit the band's exuberant, hard swinging style. It is pure entertainment from the first note to the last, set apart from the rest with its electrifying soloist-oriented jazz musicians. The arrangements are an explosive mixture of old and new, blasting the audience with the sound of surprise.

Because The Herd travels with a book of some 100 arrangements, there is never a problem pleasing any audience. They are wowed with such arrangements as "Woodchopper's Ball", "Body And Soul", "Naima", "Four Brothers", "Greasy Sack", "What's New", "Rose Room" and Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare For The Common Man", plus new arrangements are always flowing forth.

Although the average age of the talented band members is only 28, most have a conservatory background and handle with ease the demands of a repertoire spanning more than a half century of great jazz.

And, credit the Woody Herman Orchestra with some 300 great recordings and dozens of great albums to date with several more exciting new recordings planned for the immediate future.



Directed By Frank Tiberi

Frank Tiberi picked up the reins of the Orchestra when Woody Herman became ill during the band's 50th Anniversary Tour in 1986. Before his death in 1987, Herman chose Tiberi to lead the Orchestra.

"Frank Tiberi is thoroughly familiar with our music and how the band should feel playing it," Herman said. "The guys have always liked and respected him, so I knew they'd play their hearts out every night."

Humbled to have been selected Tiberi emphasized that "the leader of this band will always be Woody Herman."

Before joining the Orchestra in 1969, Tiberi performed with Bob Chester, Benny Goodman and Urbie Green. He became the lead tenor saxophonist in Herman's "Four Brothers" which is the foundation of the Orchestra's soul.

In addition to tenor sax, Frank handles Woody's solos on clarinet and takes an occasional part on flute and bassoon as well. He is also a superb arranger whose orchestrations of the Coltrane compositions "Giant Steps" and "Countdown" were recorded by the Herman Orchestra in 1973 and 1979. And his performance on Coltrane's "Central Park West" on the 1986 "50th Anniversary Tour" album is considered a masterpiece.

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