Big-band spirit alive and well on Marco

Members of a band formed a month ago have played with well-known orchestras. Now they’ll perform with Music of Marco Big Band, formed by director Bob Schnitzius of Marco.

John Wynn plays the tenor sax and used to play with The Glenn Miller Orchestra. Charles “Doc” Peters plays the trumpet and formerly played with the Royal Brass Orchestra.

The band will perform a free concert from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Mackle Park.

“Trying to keep big band music alive,” Schnitzius said. “So many people, especially in this area, love that music and associate with it.”

The 15-member band, plus vocalist Beth Mortland, will perform about eight sets of songs Sunday. The Marco band members include Bill Tietze, baritone sax; David Metzler, trumpet; Dick Mano, piano; and Bill Eriksen, trombone.

Schnitzius has been playing the alto sax for 50 years. He said he’s trying to keep big band alive because that’s his love.

“I’ve always loved music, just about any form,” Schnitzius said.

He said he’s always had music as a hobby and a profession.

“My father was into music, too,” he said. “I think that’s where I got it from.”

The band is a full orchestra and has the original arrangements of music. They will be performing music from Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie and Les Brown.

The band’s mission is to recreate the music of the big-band era.

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Free Big Band concert

• When: 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 25

• Where: Mackle Park

• Call: 642-0575