Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts

During the early through mid 1980s, the Seminole Community College Jazz Big Band, under the direction of Dr. William J. Hinkle, was considered one of the finest ensembles in the state of Florida by many in the music education scene. Dr. Hinkle was able to recruit some of the finest young up and coming talent from Central Florida, and his bands were great. Seminole Community College also boasted an impressive faculty of private teachers who honed the skills of these young players to prepare them for professional careers. The band went on to impress at college jazz festivals all over Florida. Tours to New York City and performances at William Patterson College as well as a southern tour to Memphis, New Orleans and Atlanta made for exciting times for the “Animals” as Doc fondly referred to them. That was 35 or more years ago now. Many of Seminoles alumni have gone on to have illustrious careers in the music industry. Some of the members are local legends. Tonight, we honor the man without whom none of this would have happened, Dr. William J. Hinkle, or Doc as he is called. This concert will feature former students, faculty instructors and close friends of Dr. Hinkle under his baton. It will be a swinging night of big band and combo music, and surely a few surprises along the way. "This one's for you Doc”!