“As Time Goes By” Swing Band

The swing band As Time Goes By was formed in 2013. Our music includes many well-known songs from the swing era during the days of famous band leaders like Benny Goodman, Harry James, and Glenn Miller, just to name a few. Our music library also includes well-known tunes from famous jazz bands of more recent years such as Count Basie, Stan Kenton, and Woody Herman. Our mission is to provide great sounding big band music of the swing and jazz eras for listening and dancing for a variety of occasions throughout southeastern Connecticut. 

The band was formed by trumpeter Al McLaughlin, who managed the band from its inception until 2021. The band is conducted by Ray Poncin. Ray became Music Director in April 2018. Ray returned to his home state of Rhode Island after years in the Los Angeles area as a trumpet performer, vocalist, arranger, and composer. Our past Music Directors include Jose Cordero who helped form the band and led us through 2015. Mr. Cordero is a retired member of the U. S. Coast Guard Band and music educator with years of experience playing trumpet with top swing and jazz groups in Las Vegas. Sean Nelson followed Jose as Music Director and led the band from March 2016 through 2018. Mr. Nelson is a member of the U. S. Coast Guard Band, serving as trombonist, staff arranger, member of the Coast Guard Dixieland Band, and Music Director of the Guardians Big Band. 

The swing band is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization as a subgroup of the Noank Mystic Community Band.

Band Leadership

Manager
Karl Kehrle
karl.kehrle@gmail.com

Director
Ray Ponci

Contact Information

For more information about the band, its membership, or to inquire about a concert please contact the Swing Band Manager, Karl Kehrle at karl.kehrle@gmail.com.