THE STORY OF
Formed in 2000 by a passionate group of musicians led by John Nobile, the Summer Swing Orchestra was born out of a love for swing-era music. What started as a small community band has evolved into a premier ensemble known for its dynamic performances and versatile repertoire. Under the direction of Steve Kaplan, the orchestra now covers over 1,000 songs, from 1930s swing classics to contemporary hits.
Meet Steve Kaplan
BRINGING THE SWING TO LIFE
Steve Kaplan began his musical studies on saxophone under Mario DeCarolis and Verne Whitlock. Performing with the Indigos Dance/Stage Band as a teenager, Kaplan was named student director, and was twice selected to the Central Jersey Music Educators Association jazz band as lead alto sax player. Steve received a BA in Music Education from Montclair State College. He retired after a long career teaching music inTrenton, NJ and directed the Ewing HS jazz ensemble for twenty years.
Steve joined the Summer Swing Orchestra in 2007 and was immediately named as Musical Director playing lead alto, tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute, and piano (as well as vocals). Under Kaplan’s tutelage, the band’s library has grown from several dozen numbers to hundreds of songs in a wide variety of genres. A talented composer/arranger, Steve also directs the Odessa Klezmer Band, Joe Zook’s Blues Deluxe Band, and has been playing pit orchestra and club dates for more than fifty years.
Meet the Band
The Summer Swing Orchestra is more than just a band—it’s a close-knit musical family. The group is composed of both professional instrumentalists and dedicated hobbyists, all united by a passion for jazz and swing music. Each member brings their own unique background and musical expertise, excelling in a wide range of styles from big band swing to contemporary jazz and beyond. Together, they create the vibrant, signature sound that defines the Summer Swing Orchestra.
