The Wheaton Municipal Band Presents the Greatest Show on Earth
The Wheaton Municipal Band Family Concert celebrates the Circus. On Thursday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton the park comes alive with sights, smells and sounds of "under the big top." When Maestro Bruce Moss gives the downbeat, plan on an evening of pure fun. Come early-at 6:30 p.m.- and bring the kids for the Instrument Petting Zoo, which gives everyone a chance to try a variety of instruments. Wheaton Band members instruct the children on how to play an oboe, a tuba, a flute or the trombone, and more.
The concert features lively music of the Circus. From the fast tempos of the Circus March-Thunder and Blazes, which is also known as The Entry of the Gladiators, by Czech composer Julius Fucik to some of Barnum and Bailey's Favorites. There is music for all to enjoy. Also featured on the evenings performance is James Garcia on flute playing Variations on the Carnival of Venice. James is the principal clarinetist in the band. This highly coveted spot equates to the concertmaster of the ensemble. But this multi-talented gentleman plays flute equally well and plans to dazzle the audience with his artistry.
Sharing the stage at this concert are select 7th and 8th grade students from the four Wheaton Middle schools: Edison, Monroe, Franklin and Hubble. About 15 middle-school band members will sit between the veteran performers and play Christmas at the Circus by Randall Standridge and the Wobbly Unicycle by Tim Loest. Part of the Wheaton Municipal Band's Mission Statement is to reach-out to budding young performers and encourage their love of music and performing. This is done in part by offering scholarships and performance opportunities. Many of the Wheaton Band members are music educators and they too spark the joys music brings to both the performer and the audience.
This year in the Percussion section is 16-year-old Will Richards. Will is the youngest member of the band and won a chance to play with the ensemble after a very competitive audition. Will lives only two blocks from the Memorial Park Band shell and is a student at Wheaton North High School. Two years ago, Will won the Wheaton Band High School Solo competition and performed a solo on Marimba with the band. This has encouraged him to pursue his love of music and he performs whenever he can. The Wheaton Municipal Band has given many musicians' opportunities, which they have used to reach for the highest musical goals. The band is delighted to have Will in the percussion section this season.
Don't miss this concert of pure toe-tapping fun. Come on down to the Wheaton Municipal Band's celebration of an American tradition-The Circus-on Thursday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton. The Concert is Free. For more information, go to the website at http://wheatonmunicipalband.org.