About

The cats behind the sound.

Young performers with a shared love of Swing Era music.

See us live Watch on YouTube
trumpeter Miss Julia Violet
drummer Mira Ward

At a glance

Boston-based big band playing classic swing with Gen Z energy.

  • • trained as teens
  • • older players become mentors
  • • perform for the love of the music
Who we are

Young musicians + timeless music. It all adds up.

We’re a band of teens and twentysomethings playing swing music from the thirties and forties. That's 💯.

Founded

2006

Ages

16-22

Home base

Greater Boston

The band at The Cut in Gloucester, MA

Behind the scenes

Ask me anything.

Get to know our band members.

preserving the legacy

Growing up with swing.

Our musicians start young, gain real stage experience, and are often promoted to section leaders and mentors for new players, perpetuating this great American art form.

  • • provides opportunities to lead and grow
  • • fosters teamwork, effective communication, and self-confidence.
  • • helps fulfill the band's mission
Rhiannon performance portrait 2019
Rhiannon performance portrait 2025
Emma performance portrait 2021
Emma performance portrait 2025

Learn online

Watch our tutorials

Short videos from the band that break down swing feel, sound, and style. Use them to learn at home or together with your group.

Events

Bring the band to you

From ballrooms to backyards, we tailor band size and set list to your event.

FAQ

FAQ About the Band

Answers to common questions about the Beantown Swing Orchestra, its members, music, and instruments.

The Beantown Swing Orchestra features a talented lineup of young performers, typically aged 16 to 22, with select students joining our training program as early as 13. Our musicians represent a diverse and elite group of talent sourced from across the Greater Boston area.

Once our musicians reach college age, many transition into mentorship roles. Having gained years of professional gigging experience with the orchestra, these veterans help train the next generation of talent, ensuring the legacy of Swing Era music continues to thrive in the Northeastern United States..

Our repertoire consists of hundreds of custom arrangements transcribed directly from original 1930s and 1940s recordings. These charts are meticulously crafted by our staff arranger, Danny Fratina, to ensure every performance is historically accurate.

We are a primarily self-sustained organization funded by our performance fees. These funds are directly reinvested into our musicians and educational mission: 40% to our players, 30% to our instructors, and 30% to essential overhead and growth.

To achieve a truly authentic big band sound, we perform acoustically using pre-WWII vintage instruments. Unlike modern equipment designed for heavy amplification, these period-accurate pieces—such as drums with calfskin heads, basses with gut strings, archtop guitars, and large-bore saxophones—were engineered for natural projection and a warm, resonant tone.

  • The Result: A rich sound that surrounds the audience rather than pushing through blaring speakers.
  • The Benefit: This natural balance is ideal for dance acoustics and intimate venues, allowing guests to enjoy a high-energy performance while still being able to carry on a conversation easily.