Music lovers invited to Wheaton Municipal Band open rehearsal Dec. 19

As the Wheaton Municipal Band heads to perform at the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra convention on Thursday, Dec. 21, at McCormick Place, the band is offering music lovers a chance to attend an open rehearsal at Ridgewood High School in Norridge.

Ridgewood High School band director Steve Klaus is also the band manager for the Wheaton Municipal Band. He is opening the doors to the community high school for everyone to enjoy an evening of music. This is a rare opportunity for the Norridge Community to hear a magnificent band in action. The doors will be open from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at the Ridgewood High School auditorium, 7500 W. Montrose Ave., Norridge. The auditorium entrance is just off Montrose Avenue, just to the left of the small parking lot. Admission is free.

Under the direction of Dr. Bruce Moss, the Wheaton Municipal Band is recognized around the world for its musicianship and excellence. Most performances are polished and the pieces are run straight through. However, an open rehearsal gives the audience an opportunity to see how the band and the conductor work toward perfection with each musical composition. You get an up close look at how a top level organization perfects its craft.

The band adds several special guests to its outstanding Dec. 21 program. Lieutenant Commander Lorelei A. Conrad, a U.S. Navy officer, has the distinction to be the first woman officer to become a bandmaster. Also featured on the program is Sergeant Sara Sheffield, a mezzo-soprano with The President's Own Marine Band. As soloist, band member and principal alto saxophonist, Eric Goluszka, and sharing the podium with Dr. Bruce Moss are, Ray E. Kramer and John R. Bourgeois.

The Wheaton Municipal Band performs weekly during the summer in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton. The band is in its 88th season, and continues its quest for excellence. One of the reasons for the band's success is the connection to the audience.

During the annual convention, the Wheaton Municipal Band will perform with their special guests at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at the McCormick Place's Skyline Ballroom W375E. For information, visit www.wheatonmunicipalband.org.