Dancing with the Stars Welcomes New Musical Director And Band To Season 18

Ok, so I know there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the nixing of the Dancing With The Stars orchestra. I loved them too, but, I think this change is going to be a good one. If you watched the recent Emmy Awards, then you know what I mean. More below from BroadwayWorld.com on the new musical director for Dancing With The Stars Ray Chew…and his BAND. Thanks to @DWTSgossip for the heads up. Let us know what you think.

“Dancing with the Stars” will welcome Music Director and Composer Ray Chew to the ballroom with the premiere of season 18 on Monday, March 17 at 8:00 p.m., ET on the ABC Television Network. Chew’s band will feature a new line-up of live musicians and singers performing music ranging from the latest pop hits to the great standards of the past.

Conrad Green, Executive Producer of “Dancing with the Stars” said, “Live music is the lifeblood of DWTS and we couldn’t be more excited to be working with Ray and his talented band. Ray is one of the most versatile and dynamic musicians working today. It promises to be a spectacular season.”

Ray Chew commented, “I’m looking forward to continuing the musical legacy established on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ a show that respects live music and musicians. It is important to me and to the producers to maintain the integrity of the music presentation for the dancers as well as for the viewers. Towards that end, my approach will be to utilize first class live vocalists, arrangers, copyists and musicians of all instruments.”

Chew has most recently served as the Music Director of the 65th Annual Emmy® Awards. He has also been seen on such network television series and specials as “American Idol,” “It’s Showtime at the Apollo,” and additional historic landmark events ranging from President Obama’s Inaugural Neighborhood Ball to the Democratic National Convention. Chew also conducted a 63 piece orchestra for Carnegie Hall’s sold out “A Night of Inspiration,” a live event he produced as part of their diversity series.

To read the article in full, see BroadwayWorld.com.

ETA: Ray Chew has been tweeting about his new position on DWTS. He tweeted;

Much respect to the legacy of Harold Wheeler and what he’s done on Dancing With The Stars! I’ve spoken to Harold – my good friend and mentor for many years -and he’s given me his blessings moving forward. I look forward to supporting the dancers w/ live musicians of various configurations, determined by the style & genre of each perf. This will be an exciting season for all of us – tune in to #DWTS March 17th on @ABCNetwork!!!

Awesome. Let’s wish him the best!