Roger Thorpe Directs the Sammy Kaye Orchestra At Roanoke Island Festival Park
Published October 31, 2007 by Roanoke Island Festival ParkROANOKE ISALND- The Sammy Kaye Orchestra, under the direction of Roger Thorpe, will be in the Film Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park for two performances. Thursday, November 8, the famous group will present “Swing and Sway” and Friday, November 9, “Swing and Sway Christmas”. Both performances are at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 and may be purchased in the Visitors Center at the Park during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or one hour prior to the performance at the Film Theatre (check or cash only). All guests must have a ticket for admission
Roger Thorpe, the leader of the Sammy Kaye Orchestra, began playing trumpet when he was ten years old. His first taste of success, at age fifteen, was on the popular radio and television show, The Ted Mack Original Amateur Hour. At that time he knew his career had to be as a big band leader like his idol, Harry James.
In high school he took his first big band all over eastern New York. Graduating from high school, he went out on his own, playing trumpet with bands such as Les and Larry Elgart, the Glenn Miller Orchestra (directed by Ray McKinley), Ralph Flanagan, and Woody Herman. Life on the road convinced him that college would provide a future more secure than what he had experienced. He went on to become a college professor at New York State University, all the while leading his own big band.
In 1979, Roger conducted his band on the same program as Sammy Kaye. He noticed the legendary Kaye and his band waiting off stage for Roger to finish. As he announced the final number, Roger dedicated it “to one of the great big band leaders of all time, Mr. Sammy Kaye.” Amid the audience’s deafening agreement, Sammy Kaye strode on stage; hand outstretched and thanked Roger for his kindness. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship.
During their brief talk, Kaye asked Roger if he would like to go on tour with his band to Florida. During this tour, they became close and personal friends. Sammy featured the trumpet playing of his protégé on Sugar Blues, And the Angels Sing, and You Made Me Love You. Their relationship evolved into a warm personal routine on stage, one the audiences sensed was more than mere show business. Calling Sammy “Maestro” and Roger “Professor” they charmed audiences.
The mission of Roanoke Island Festival Park is to involve residents and visitors, of all ages, in a creative and stimulating exploration of Roanoke Island’s historical, cultural and natural resources. For more information about this event call (252) 475-1500 or visit us on-line at www.roanokeisland.com.
Enter Your Comments Below
