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"A Great American Dance Band"
539 Legacy Lane
Valley City, ND 58072
701-845-1777
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Myron Sommerfeld and his Orchestra continue to perform the Music of the Stars to the many folks who love Swing and Ballroom Dancing. The band has recently performed on two 58 day South American cruises on board the Regal Empress and is now in its 15th winter season playing the resorts in the Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona, area. The band still headquarters out of Valley City, ND, and during the summer plays for special events in North Dakota and Minnesota.
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Mighty Myron
by Jack Lebo, Big Band Report columnist.
Reprinted from the Jul/Aug Dancing USA.
Myron Sommerfeld and His Music certainly has staying power. Myron is currently celebrating his 54th year of leading this popular North Dakota orchestra.
Born and raised on a farm near Gackle, he was more interested in music than farming. His dad, Henry Sommerfeld started a band in 1929, composed entirely of family members. Young Sommerfeld began playing guitar, then at age 14 switched to drums. It seems that his dad's band was called in to replace a band that canceled out and Myron was hurriedly drafted to take over the drum chair. He played with his father for quite awhile, and in 1956 launched his own rock 'n roll band, primarily composed of family members.
His sister played piano and when she became ill, a young lady named Jenneice filled in for her. Eventually, love bloomed and the pianist became Mrs. Myron Sommerfeld. The family tradition continued with the addition of their 13-year-old daughter Bonnie, who played the flute and saxophone.
In 1958, Myron formed the Silver Star Orchestra, also known as the Bon-bon Brass, after Bonnie. Eventually, the name was changed to its present day Myron Sommerfeld and His Music. This North Dakota maestro's many accomplishments include having his composition entitled, Stepping Out chosen as the theme song for National Ballroom Dance Week in 1992, and having his orchestra voted as "The Outstanding Band" by the National Ballroom & Entertainment Association.
Myron recently retired (nearly 30 years) as music director for 1st-12th grade in the local Valley City public school system. One of his students who started on the sax in fifth grade, went on to graduate and play in Myron's band for nearly 10 years.
According to this personable leader, "I plan on playing for as long as I can hold a drum stick." The Sommerfeld band has a number of recordings available by mail. Contact: 539 Legacy Lane, Valley City, ND 58072, (701) 845-1777.
State of North Dakota
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
On behalf of the citizens of the great State of North Dakota, it is my privilege and pleasure to extend congratulations on this recognition for your outstanding achievements and contributions in the music industry. I join your family, friends, and colleagues in wishing you the best on this occassion.
For years, your love of music has brought joy and entertainment to thousands of people and helped uphold the traditions and events that are an intregal part of our everyday lives and culture of North Dakota. From parties to dances and celebrations, you have been there providing the music and song that made each event special. Certainly, his performance at the National Ballroom and Entertainment Association Convention will be among the highlights of your career, as are the opportunities to play on board the Royal Empress and in Arizona. However, the greatest compliment may be the heartfelt thanks and continuing appreciation of the families who have enjoyed your music.
Myron, please accept my personal congratulations on this achievement and honor. Allow me to quote a great American entertainer, Bob Hope, in saying..."Thanks for the memories." Best wishes to all of you for continued health, happiness, and success in the months and years ahead.
Sincerely,
(signed)
Edward T. Schafer
Govenor
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Steppin' Out to go Dancin'
Song composed by Myron and Bonnie Sommerfeld
Shinin' up my shoes and slick in' down my hair,
at a glance it's almost half past eight.
Splashin' some cologne and dash in' out the door
gettin' ready for that ballroom dance week.
Goin' with ba-by and we're steppin' out in style.
We're goin' dancing for excitement.
Well, the band started jammin' and my baby
took my hand and now we're swinging out onto the floor.
Then the tunes cooled down and I brought my baby
'round, Seems like magic must be in store.
I gazed into (his/her) eyes and then (he,I) took (me,her)
by surprise and said I love ya! Will you be mine?
Steppin' Out to go dancin' on a warm summer's night.
Steppin' Out to go dancin' sends my spirit into flight.
Come dance with me and I'm sure that you'll agree
it adds excitement to your life.
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