Swing Music Returns to the Syria Shrine Syria Shriners Stage Band Host Swing Dances

Cheswick, PA, June 09, 2015 --(PR.com)-- In 2014, a small group of Shriners decided to start a Stage Band. This small group began rehearsing in the ballroom at the Shriners Center. It had been over twenty years since a group like this has been at the Center. The last Swing Band was formed in 1972. It dissolved sometime in the 1980's. Music has always been important to the Syria Shriners. The Concert Band was started in 1902 and has continuously played concerts and parades since their beginning. There are several other musical groups at the Center as well. The Chanters (Men's Choir), The Highlanders (Bagpipe Band), and The Legion of Honor, Drum and Bugle Corp.

The Stage Band was quickly noticed by the other Shriners who were there to attend meetings for their organizations. Many of them would spend a few moments to listen to the Band playing. One of the Shriners took a special interest in the Band. Then Chief Rabban(First Vice President) Robert Herbert, approached Howard Swango, Director of the Stage Band and proposed a monthly dance night at the center during his term in 2015 as Potentate (President) of the Syria Shriners. On April 17, 2015 the now Illustrious Potentate (President) Robert Herbert introduced the Band for its first dance.

The Stage Band now has regular dances every third Friday of the month until November. Other organizations within the Shrine have come out to help. The Office Staff is running a Cash Bar. The Directors Staff is selling light snacks. The dress code for the event is casual. The event is about giving people a place to go and relax to music from a bygone era. All are welcome to come out to dance or sit with some friends.