In 1958, four teenagers approached Paul Colaluca and asked for his help in forming a dance band in the likeness of Glenn Miller. Thinking the idea was a crazy one, he sent the teens off with the mission of recruiting five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones, a bass, drums, guitar and a piano. He didn’t plan on seeing them again. But they returned a month later, ready to rehearse. The teens were persistent and persuasive. The rest, they say, is history!
It was Stan Kenton who suggested to Paul Colaluca that the training program become a non-profit foundation, giving many generations of students access to and training in big band swing music. The Esquire Music Foundation was formally established in 1967.
Board of Directors:
Eric Brundin: Music Director, Band Manager
Marsha Hansen: President
Paul Colaluca, Jr.: Vice President
Eric Brundin: Treasurer
Sandi White: Secretary
Paul Colaluca: Founder, Director Emeritus
Board Members:
Wolf Fengler
Betsy Brundin
John Ward
Jean Colaluca
Dan Seager
Wally White