Gainesville Big Band
Presents a Big Christmas Celebration
FRIDAY • DECEMBER 5, 2025 • 7:00 PM
SUNDAY • DECEMBER 7, 2025 • 2:00 PM
A Big Band Christmas Celebration
at
Meizon Church
3411 NW 83rd St
Gainesville, FL 32606
The evening will feature the band playing beloved Christmas standards such as “The Christmas Song,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and “This Christmas,” each one capturing the warmth, nostalgia, and swing of the season. These timeless pieces set the tone for a festive big-band experience filled with lush arrangements, spirited rhythms, and holiday cheer.
Community big bands that perform standards and the Great American Songbook play an important role in keeping a living tradition of American music vibrant and accessible. These ensembles provide opportunities for local musicians—both seasoned players and emerging talent—to perform timeless works by composers such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin. Their concerts bring people together across generations, offering audiences a chance to experience the swing, sophistication, and shared cultural history of classic jazz. By maintaining a presence in schools, community centers, festivals, and local venues, community big bands not only preserve this repertoire but also inspire new appreciation and ensure its continued relevance in today’s musical landscape.
Season at a Glance
SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES | 2:00-4:00 PM
Gainesville Big Band Musicians
Saxophones:
Alto 1 — Ryan Gamberino
Alto 2 — Joanna Adhami
Tenor 1 — John Gregory
Tenor 2 — Brian Johnson
Baritone Saxophone — Joe Davis
Trumpets:
Trumpet 1 — Rick Marion
Trumpet 2 — Ryan Hall
Trumpet 3 — Vito Montauk
Trumpet 4 — Adrienne Widener
Vocalist: Timothy Trail
Trombones:
Trombone 1 — Ethan Spencer
Trombone 2 — Michael Murphy
Trombone 3 — Jayven Cromwell
Bass Trombone — Marco Thomas
Rhythm Section:
Guitar — Darren Burgess
Piano — Pamelli Marafon
Bass — Chad Young
Drums — Jon Jackson
DIRECTOR
Marco Thomas is from Ellenwood, GA, which is a suburb of Atlanta. He is a bass trombone player who studied music education at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. His principal teacher there was Brian Brink. Thomas earned his Bachelor of Music Education in 1999 and began teaching middle school band in Hardee County in January 2000. He then entered the University of Florida in the summer of 2002, where he earned his Master of Music in trombone performance. His principal teacher there was Arthur Jennings. After graduation, he took a position at Hawthorne Middle/High School as Director of Bands (2004–2007). He began his current position as the music teacher at Williams Elementary in Gainesville during the 2007–2008 school year.
MISSION
The mission of the Gainesville Big Band, Inc. is to promote an awareness of the educational, spiritual, and civic benefits of jazz through traditional and modern repertoire.
Sponsorships include Meizon Church, Visit Gainesville / Alachua County, Hoggtowne Music, Renaissance Printing and the following community individuals: Rosella Smith, Roger Reep, Wesley Eubanks, Jon Reiskind, Kelly Harris, Jack Siegel, and Jim Heiser. To join these community cultural leaders as sponsors, click HERE for more information.
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Making the scene since 2006!
Making the scene since 2006!
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