This week, I am putting the spotlight on one of the “stars” of the very popular TV show “Dancing With The Stars.” He is the heart and soul of all the great music used on the show, other than that provided by musical guests. He is Harold Wheeler, the musical director of the show that is now in its 16th season.
As a musician, I have long been a big fan of what Harold does each season to come up with great music arrangements and orchestrations for the dancers; he having done this since the show began in 2005.
Of course, he has surrounded himself with great musicians and vocalists who are all phenomenal talents. The orchestra is dynamic, rhythmic, and bent on perfection. None of this is new to Harold, as he has won numerous awards over the years, including the 2003 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Orchestrations.
In that same year, he was the music director of the 76th Academy Awards. He, John Williams, and Paul Shaffer combined to do the conducting of the Closing Ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics. His credits also include a Tony nomination for best orchestration for his work with the hit musical “Hairspray.”
The demands on Harold each season are monumental, as he arranges and conducts so much music week after week. He has to be one of the hardest working musicians in the world. Imagine the time involved in doing what he does for 18 musicians and four vocalists. Oftentimes, his orchestra is backing up special guests. All this plus rehearsals and two live shows per week!
This is a great example of someone who gets very little recognition other a short intro by the emcee, yet what he produces is a major key (no pun intended) to the success of the show. That’s why I am writing about Harold Wheeler this week; he is one of my music heroes, an unsung one (again, no pun intended) if you will.
So, if you are a fan of DWTS and watch each episode, pay particular attention to what Mr. Wheeler contributes to make the show go. He is special.
Reader Comment from Hazel Kaspari re: Eva Cassidy:”Just another little tidbit of useless information that I possess: Eva’s parents were interviewed sometime after her death. They were pleased that their daughter’s fans had not forgotten her. Her friends, some of whom were entertainers, begged her to give live performances, but she was much too shy. She made a living as a landscaper.
Unfortunately, long hours in the sun may have contributed to the malignant melanoma that killed her. The world surely lost a beautiful voice.”
All That Jazz Extra: The spring concert by the Sun City Concert Band will be on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 18 at 1 p.m. Both are in Drendel Hall. The program includes music from “Victory at Sea,” “Finlandia,” “Les Mis,” “The King and I,” plus Disney favorites, “Strike Up the Band,” and others. Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for kids. Write to me for ticket orders.
One more thing: Gary Krewer plays great tunes on Huntley radio each Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Check it out!
