Our Story
SRO, the Scott Ragsdale Orchestra is a unique society dance orchestra based in Washington, DC, specializing in classic dance music from the 1920s-30s-40s to the new millennium. Extremely versatile, made up of current and former members of the premier US military bands of Washington, DC, SRO performs as a core 5-pc. to a small orchestra with fabulous vocals, horns and strings. All music is expertly arranged for each event by leader/trombonist, Scott Ragsdale, former Chief Arranger of the United States Navy Band.
Since 1992 SRO, formerly known as Raggs and the All-Stars, has travelled extensively on the east coast and throughout the United States, thrilling crowds of all ages at countless events from weddings to anniversaries and bar mitzvahs, conventions to political events and the concert stage. Complete with vintage tuxedos and deco-styled bandstands, SRO transitions seamlessly from the swinging sounds of the big bands and Sinatra to modern dance styles of Pop/Rock/Motown/Disco/Latin/R&B and more.
FABULOUS SINGERS, Sheila Ford and Steve Washington front the ensemble comprised of a full rhythm section and a super-tight horn section. It’s a “big band” in a small package!
OPTIONS TO ADD: (Our usual 8 or 9-pc band may be enhanced by adding any or all of the following)
* The RAGG DOLLS beautiful and swinging female vocal trio offers the best of the Andrews Sisters and much more!
* VIOLIN SECTION for the “icing on the cake,” the lovely sounds of strings for your once in a lifetime event.
* LATIN/BRAZILIAN SINGERS perform all your favorite songs from the latin songbook.
* SWING DANCERS bring your party to life with top-flight demonstrations and lessons to get your guests into the swing.