Space Coast Symphony to Feature Renowned Jazz Clarinetist in Celebration to Glenn Miller June 21

Concertgoers 18 and under or with a college ID admitted free to concert

ABOVE VIDEO: ‘In the Mood’ Celebrates Glenn Miller, Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra to Feature Hungary’s No. 1 Jazz Clarinetist

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — Get ready for a concert worthy of one of the greatest icons of modern music history, when Andrew Cleaver and the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra presents ‘In the Mood: A Glenn Miller Celebration’ on June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Scott Center for the Performing Arts, 5625 Holy Trinity Drive in north Melbourne.

The summertime program will feature music from the bandleader of the late 1930s and 1940s who galvanized audiences with his signature ‘Glenn Miller sound,’ a unique style that featured clarinet-driven melodies, tight harmonies, and a swinging rhythm section.

During ‘In the Mood,’ bandleader and saxophonist Andrew Cleaver will lead Florida’s finest jazz musicians in the performance of iconic Miller works such as ‘Moonlight Serenade,’ ‘American Patrol,’ ‘Little Brown Jug,’ ‘At Last’ and, of course, ‘In the Mood.’

In addition, the audience will hear Hungarian clarinetist Joe Fritz on several numbers.

Heavily influenced by the style of Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman, Fritz arrived in the USA only one year ago and has taken the Orlando jazz scene by storm. Considered the foremost jazz clarinetist in Hungary, Fritz is ranked among the top 30 players in the world.

Tickets for ‘In the Mood’ are $35 in advance for adults, available through the orchestra website at SpaceCoastSymphony.org or at Marine Bank & Trust in Suntree.

Tickets at the door are $40. ‘In the Mood’ is free for those aged 18 and under or with a student ID. For more information, call 855-252-7276 or visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org.

Arguably the most popular bandleader of the Big Band era, Miller was the music symbol of a generation, and the equivalent of a pop superstar with dozens of hit songs. In four years, Miller launched 23 number-one songs, marking more than Elvis or The Beatles.

Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra Conductor, Andrew Cleaver, is no stranger to jazz and the music of Glenn Miller. While in the United States Air Force, the bandleader toured extensively as the lead saxophonist for the Air Force’s Glenn Miller Band in Europe, before performing and recording with the prestigious Airmen of Note jazz band.

For ‘In the Mood’, he has assembled a cadre of jazz musicians of the highest caliber.

“The audience will hear that authentic, recognizable Glenn Miller style from the Big Band era,” said Cleaver.

“Several of the band members have toured with the modern Glenn Miller Orchestra. Of course, we’ll again be featuring Mr. Joe Fritz, the fabulous clarinetist whose sound will make you believe you’re back in the 1940s!”

Concertgoers aged 18 and under or with a college ID are admitted free to every SCSO concert.

For more information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra and Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra 2025-26 Season, please visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call 855-252-7276.

ABOUT JOE FRITZ

Joe Fritz, a Budapest-born jazz clarinetist, has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning over three decades. Renowned for his warm tone and lyrical improvisation, he has recorded more than 70 albums and performs over 200 concerts annually across Europe, the United States and Australia. In 2012, Joe was recognized among the world’s top 30 jazz clarinetists and has been honored as Clarinetist of the Year 28 times by JazzMa magazine, based on votes from critics, musicians and readers.

Throughout his career, Fritz has collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Tommy Vig, Roger Kellaway, Allan Vaché and George Kelly. His performances have graced stages worldwide, including notable appearances at the Brisbane Jazz Club in Australia, where music reviewer Joanna Funk described his tone as “the cream on an Irish coffee in winter.”

In 2024, Fritz relocated to Orlando, immersing himself in the local jazz scene. He joined the Place Cachée Jazz Band, performing at Universal’s Epic Universe theme park, further showcasing his versatility and commitment to bringing jazz to diverse audiences. Beyond performing, Fritz is also a dedicated researcher of clarinet history and technique, contributing articles and record reviews to various publications.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to cover expenses associated with Joe’s pursuit of a Permanent Resident Card. The Green Card would allow Joe Fritz to seek gainful employment in the U.S. in addition to music performance. According to the page, “If you love jazz, love the clarinet, love music, or love goulash, please consider donating to Joe’s fund, 100% of which will be devoted to paying for USCIS immigration fees.” For more information, visit his official website at fritzjazz.com.

ABOUT BAND LEADER ANDREW CLEAVER

Saxophonist and Melbourne, Florida, resident Andrew Cleaver has been a professional soloist for more than 37 years. He began his musical career as a young performer in the US Air Force after graduating from Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Along the way, he was a member of the United States Air Forces in Europe Band, the Air Force’s Glenn Miller Band and drum major for two ceremonial bands.

After a three-year communications job at the Pentagon, Andrew was transferred to the Air Force’s premier jazz ensemble, The Airmen of Note, before retiring in 2009. According to Andrew, “It just doesn’t get any better than the Airmen of Note!”

The former Pentagon public affairs specialist and Treasury Department employee is known locally for his proficiency in educating and inspiring young Melbourne-area saxophonists at his private lesson studio. Andrew also works with Brevard County schools, including Viera, Melbourne, and Heritage High Schools.

Andrew has performed with Louise Mandrell, The Ronettes, Kevin Eubanks, The Beverly Sisters, Karrin Allyson, Paquito D’Rivera, Butch Miles and saxophone master instructor Eugene Rousseau. He also played saxophone on the Grammy Award-winning album, “PDQ Bach: Music for an Awful Lot of Winds and Percussion,” which won Best Comedy Album in 1992.

His military performance tours took him through 20 countries, with audiences that included England’s Queen Mother, Prime Minister John Major, Presidents Bush, Clinton, and Obama, as well as several U.S. senators and other international dignitaries.

ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability. The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices. The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations.

Aaron T. Collins is garnering recognition for his achievements. LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their “4 under 40” Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor. Space Coast Business magazine listed him as one of Brevard’s “100 Most Admired Businesspeople.” Collins is a past recipient of the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County. Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community.

School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID. In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a “pay-what-you-can” option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert. Relying on a non-traditional orchestra model and a slim budget, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only a handful of U.S. orchestras to perform year-round.

The nonprofit organization also maintains the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and the Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, with several free performances each year. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at SpaceCoastSymphony.org by calling toll free 855-252-7276.

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