The “Big Band Era” of the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s remains unprecedented in its influence on American music. Saco River Jazz plays music from that era, featuring the bands of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, and many others. It is our pleasure to play and perform this style of music that so many people enjoy.
Saco River Jazz (SRJ) is a community big band swing/jazz band based in the towns of Hollis and Buxton, Maine. The band was incorporated in February 2022 as a 501(c)(3) organization to carry on the musical tradition carried on for years by the Saco River Jazz Ensemble (SRJE).
The band members range in age from high school to senior adults.
ALTO SAXOPHONES
- Steve Manchester
- Sue Niemoeller
TENOR SAXOPHONES
- Peter Lord
- Gary MacWhinnie
BARITONE SAXOPHONE
- Nicholas Freeman (and vocals)
TRUMPETS
- Ross Bertran (and vocals)
- Patrick Crockett
- Raymond Levesque
- Gavin Monkiewicz
- Raymond Levesque
TROMBONES
- Georgia Humphrey
- Jim Jackson
- Norm Daigneault
- John Kreutzberger
- Eyezaya McFettridge (alt)
- Mitch Price (alt)
PIANO
- Brian Labanowski
- Allen Thomas (alt)
GUITAR
- Michal Slawiek
BASS
- Lori Arsenault (and vocals)
DRUMS
- Jim Hoy
- Jacob Miller (alt)
Joseph R. Daigneault
In Fond Memory
Joe Daigneault (1954-2023), a cofounder and former board member and Vice President of Saco River Jazz Ensemble, passed away on Wednesday February 15, 2023. He played the alto saxophone for many years with the band, and mentored the high school student saxophone players in our band. Joe hosted many band board meetings and provided coffee and top-notch baked goods to the other board members. Joe and his family also hosted many band potluck dinners and barbecues. Joe will be sorely missed by Saco River Jazz, both as a colleague and as a friend.
https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/27308799/joseph-r-daigneault
