Wheaton Municipal Band celebrates 'Fanfares and Freedom' July 7
The Wheaton Municipal Band presents an exciting program at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 7, in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton. The band welcomes to the stage two distinguished guests: Master Gunnery Sgt. Peter Wilson from the U.S. Marine Orchestra and Scott Boerma, director of bands at Western Michigan University. These two celebrated musicians come together for a thrilling night of entertainment.
Hearing a violin soloist with a concert band is a rarity, but Peter Wilson wows any audience with his incredible musicianship and precision. Wilson regularly performs at the White House for state dinners, receptions and other functions. His versatility extends to performing on the fiddle with the Free County Marine Band's Country Ensemble, singing and conducting. Wilson comes from a musical family, so the crossover to concert band is just part of his versatility and musicianship. He conducts both bands and orchestras.
On a side note, Pete Friedmann, the WMB's announcer went to school at Northwestern University with Peter Wilson, and they are longtime friends. "Wilson is my favorite guest soloist," said Friedmann.
The maestro for the evening is world-renowned composer and conductor Scott Boerma. Boerma's passion includes music for drum and bugle corps. He arranges for both marching bands and drum and bugle corps ensembles throughout the world, including: The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Thailand. He also composes for concert band and you can be sure the Wheaton Municipal Band will perform a number of his favorite arrangements and compositions. He incorporates the brass and percussion in all his concert band works to wow an audience with energy and sound.
The program for the evening includes "Fanfare for the Golden Sky" and "Bora Bora Suite for Band" by Scott Boerman. This work is both innovative and eclectic. It depicts the beauty of the Bora Bora Islands. Wilson will perform "Meditation from Thais" by Massenet, the "Yankee Doodle Variations" and the theme from "Schindler's List" by John Williams.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear two world-class musicians. Come early and enjoy a picnic in the park. Visit www.wheatonmunicipalband.org.