Gainesville Swing Orchestra
The Gainesville Swing Orchestra originally known as Cooke County Orchestra has been in existence for thirty-one years. Ex-Governor Bill Clements was going to speak for the Chamber of Commerce Banquet and the orchestra was formed to be part of the entertainment. The Orchestra, Cooke County Chorale, and Butterfield Stage were joined together to form the Cooke County Arts Council. The original members of the Orchestra were from Cooke County, Grayson County, and some students from University of North Texas.
Gainesville Swing Orchestra (Cooke County Orchestra) has played in many different places. We had a ten year engagement at the Germanfest in Muenster. Some of the other shows done by GSO are Texas State Fair, Grayson County Fair, Billy Bobs in Ft. Worth, Sherman’s Hot Summer Night, Grand Opening of the Gainesville Outlet Mall, and numerous reunions, wedding receptions, and concerts within a hundred mile radius. GSO has played for Austin College Freshman orientation for the past ten years. GSO assisted North Central Texas College with starting a jazz band program.
Gainesville Swing Orchestra first centered their music on the instrumental Big Band styles of the 40s and 50s. Now the performances include all styles of Big Band music and vocal numbers.Today, Gainesville Swing Orchestra is a 20 piece orchestra that includes a director, a female and male vocalist. We also have some outstanding instrumental soloist. Our music library is large enough to cover almost any occasion. The orchestra has been together for many years and their ages range from 26 years old to 85 years old. They are very professional and perform because they have a love for the music of the Big Band Era.
They have their own sound system, front stands, raisers, and various props to make a very professional looking stage.