The Wheaton Municipal band presents a concert of fun listening on July 14 in Memorial Park.
The Wheaton Municipal Band continues to fill Wheaton's Memorial Park with great concert band music. Director Dr. Bruce Moss gives the downbeat on Thursday, July 14 at 8:00 p.m.
This week's program promises to thrill the audience with familiar tunes, dynamic overtures, and peppy marches. The concert opens with the film score “Spitfire” Prelude and Fugue by Walton. The music of Cole Porter, from “The Great American Songbook” will have the audience swinging to “Night and Day” and “Begin the Beguine". The band's percussion section shines on this tune. The music continues with a medley from Bernstein's “West Side Story.”
One of the highlights of the concert is Malcolm Arnold's Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo.” Considered one of the major composers of the 20th century, Arnold originally wrote this work for brass band. John Paynter, Northwestern University's great bandmaster and one of Bruce Moss's mentors, arranged the work for concert band. The evening's featured soloist is first clarinetist David Halperin. He sets his Bb clarinet aside and picks up the bass clarinet to play the “Carnival of Venice.”
The Wheaton Municipal Band celebrates its 82nd Season this year. The organization owes its success to many people, especially those who donate their time and talents to make the band great. During Thursday's concert, the band will recognize one of those members, Jim Boyle, for his 41 years of service. Boyle was instrumental in bringing in current Maestro, Dr. Bruce Moss. “Searching for a conductor is a lot of work, so I was very happy when Bruce decided to stick with the job, even after he left the Chicago Area,” said Boyle. The band and the audience are happy too. Boyle has seen many changes in the band over his 41-year tenure. “There have been improvements in the quality of the players, the difficulty of the music, and the stature of the band has increased. Bruce Moss has expanded the band's repertoire, commissioned new music, brought in guest conductors and soloists, which have included famed trumpeter Adolf Herseth, John Hagstrom, John Bruce Yeah, William Warfield and several members of ‘The President's Own' Marine Band.” Boyle also served as the Band's Business Manager since 1975.
Don't miss this exciting concert. The park fills up quickly, so come early. Thursday, July 14 at 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Park.