As our many happy clients know, the Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra lends a special magic to private events. We’ve performed at charity balls, corporate events, and Hollywood studio galas. While we pride ourselves on our distinctive sound, we often adjust our playlist to suit our clients’ needs within the spectrum of big band and swing music.

Here is a partial list of our past private clients:

EMMY AWARDS GOVERNORS’ BALL
PARAMOUNT STUDIOS
HBO
WALT DISNEY PICTURES
FOX NETWORK
SONY PICTURES
PACIFIC BELL
JUNIOR PHILHARMONIC BALL
PRINCESS DIANA CHARITY BALL
AMERICA’S CUP BALL
JONATHAN CLUB CENTENNIAL
EASTER SEALS

We also have played very special birthday parties and weddings. Here are answers to some of the most common questions of inquiring clients:

• We perform only in our full complement of fifteen players and four singers. We often get requests for smaller bands which we refer to other leaders. There is a simple reason: we can’t bring the BESO magic to the stage without our vocal group or with parts missing from our custom arrangements. On very rare occasions, for very persuasive clients, we have made exceptions and brought a smaller ensemble, but these were extraordinary circumstances.

• Our “orchestra” IS a swing band IS a big band! We use all the terms interchangeably. We can play just about any style of swing, big band, and jazz, plus a smattering of Latin too. We don’t play Top 40, disco, salsa, rock - we’re not a generic party band.

• At many private events we play quiet dinner music with a small combo and then kick in with the full band for dancing. We aren’t loud, except when we’re supposed to be!

• We work with many wonderful swing dancers who can add their spark and energy to your event. They can give a performance, teach a dance lesson, dance with guests (known by the quaint term “taxi dancing”), or simply add atmosphere. We are the dancers’ favorite band, and we love performing with them in front of us!

• Our fees are determined by many factors: we need to know the date, location, venue, hours, and client before we can give a quote. Please keep in mind that Saturdays are premium evenings, and June and December are especially busy months.

• We work with a variety of agencies on a non-exclusive basis as well as booking directly with clients.