The Next Generation Swing Band (NGSB) is a division of Serenade Musical Services (SMS), a company founded by husband wife team Bob and Sherry Apgar. With more than three decades of professional musical experience, SMS ensures both exceptional musical quality and excellent customer service. All SMS groups feature one or both of the company’s founders, giving clients first hand contact with the band leader/contractor — no middle men!

Bob Apgar

The present day incarnation of the NGSB has roots spanning back to the 1980’s when Bob and Sherry, having completed their musical training at Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University and Temple University, Boyer College of Music and Dance respectively, married and settled in Philadelphia. Bob immediately began playing saxophone in the Walter Jay Orchestra, one of Philadelphiaʼs most prominent dance bands. This association continued through the year 2000, with Bob eventually becoming the main contractor and bandleader. During this time Bob also began playing with the Al Raymond Orchestra. Following a five decade tenure as bandleader, Al Raymond retired and passed on stewardship of the group on to his son Craig, who in turn passed the band on to Bob.

In 2008 Bob combined both groups and the modern day Next Generation Swing Band was born. Taking the best music and musicians from both bands, the current NGSB features the most talented big band, show and jazz musicians the Philadelphia area has to offer. The NGSB has played for every type of event at all major venues in the Delaware Valley. If you love big band dance music, jazz, Motown, R&B or classic rock, the Next Generation Swing Band is the band for you!