Mark your calendars! Valentine’s Dinner/Swing Dance benefit for band program is Feb. 14

The Tusculum College Pioneer Jazz Band will be hosting a Valentine’s Day Dinner/Swing Dance benefit on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the General Morgan Inn. The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. The event will include dinner and a performance of the Pioneer Jazz Band, along with special guests.

The event is a fundraiser to help raise money for much-needed equipment for the Tusculum band program, according to David A. Price, director of music at Tusculum College.

“We have planned a wonderful, romantic night of great food, great music and dancing through the evening,” Price said. “It’s the perfect event for Valentine’s Day, with a few special

surprises included. Tickets would also make a wonderful Christmas gift for someone special.”

Ticket prices are $50 per person and include dance tickets, an opening reception, dinner and a special dessert. Please call in advance to request a vegetarian substitution. A cash bar will be available.

Tickets are available for purchase at the General Morgan Inn or by contacting Price at 423-636-7303423-636-7303 or emailing daprice@tusculum.edu. A hotel package special is also available by contacting the General Morgan Inn at 423-787-1000423-787-1000. Sponsorships and table packages are also available for the event by contacting Price.

The Pioneer Band Program at Tusculum College began in 2010 with the creation of the Pioneer Pep Band. The Pep Band became a much-enjoyed feature of the 2010 Pioneer football and basketball seasons, as the band performed at the Pioneer Club tailgate parties before each home football game, during pregame and half-time festivities.

A concert band was formed in the 2010-2011 academic year as well, and the newly-formed group was honored to be asked to play at the Inauguration Ceremony for the College’s new president, Dr. Nancy B. Moody, on October 8, 2010.

To date, the music program continues to grow each year and has also formed a jazz band, several small instrumental ensembles and a Handbell Choir. The program is featured in three concerts per year. The next concert is set for Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. at Annie Hogan Byrd Auditorium.