Wheaton Municipal Band to put on 'Wild West Family Concert' June 21
The Wheaton Municipal Band saddles up for a "Wild West Family Concert" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 21, in Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave. in downtown Wheaton. Prepare to experience the thrilling sounds of the Wild West.
The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. in the park.
An instrument petting zoo gives kids and adults the opportunity to try a variety of instruments.
Wheaton Municipal Band musicians lend a helping hand in trying a trombone or whistling on a flute. Kids are amazed how difficult it is to even get a sound out of some of the horns. let alone try and hold a bassoon or a tuba. Take a deep breath and experience the joy of music.
In addition, at 6:30 p.m. in front of the band shell, adults and kids alike get a chance to learn the art of line dancing.
Get your Hoedown on and enjoy the fun of dancing to country music. All are invited to participate.
The Wheaton Municipal Band will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.
The Wild West inspired multitudes of concert music.
Perhaps it is the strong pioneer determination, the rugged courage and the outdoors that has moved composers to write some of the most amazing music. Director Dr. Bruce Moss chose exciting selections for the audience to enjoy. The program includes John Williams musical score for John Wayne's 1972 Western "The Cowboys." Although Williams has gone on to write more famous film scores, such as "Star Wars" and "Jurassic Park," "The Cowboys" is loved by the Wheaton Municipal Band musicians as one of their favorites. Other Western music featured will be Elmer Bernstein's score for "The Magnificent Seven" and the theme from "Gunsmoke."
During the concert, stop by the photo booth station, which allows participants to dress up as a cowboy and snap a photo; or join a musical stampede and lasso a bull.
It's all in good western fun!
Riley Lindsey, principal Wheaton Municipal Band tuba player for the second season, is the featured soloist. A graduate of DePaul University School of Music with a master's degree and a bachelor of music degree from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music. Lindsey plays "Blue Bells of Scotland" by Arthur Pryor, the legendary trombone soloist with the John Philip Sousa Band. Lindsey resides in Chicago and is a professional musician and teacher.
Don't miss this fun family concert with a little something for everyone. For information, go to the band's website at www.wheatonmunicipalband.org.