Wheaton Municipal Band to present children's concert June 23

For the young and the young at heart, the Wheaton Municipal Band performs its annual Children's Concert on Thursday, June 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Park, 208 W Union Ave. in Wheaton.

Transportation-themed music will take the audience on a joyous ride through movies, history and sound while riding broomsticks along with “Harry Potter,” a Civil War train that races out of control, and the “Cars” of the Pixar Movie.

The 7:30 p.m. start time is earlier than usual to accommodate the youngsters and there are exciting pre-concert activities as well.

An instrument petting zoo opens at 6:45 p.m. where Wheaton Band members offer kids and adults the opportunity to try various band instruments. The chance to make an oboe squawk or a flute toot is a thrill and kids can learn how challenging it is to make the instruments sound good.

In addition, Paul Kober of Kober's Instrument Repair will evaluate any instrument a person brings in and tell them what needs to be adjusted or repaired, or if they should just be made into a lamp. This is a free service for the evening.

At 7 p.m. several small music ensembles will play in the park. Children can sit up close to see their favorite instruments in action and ask questions about them.

Also prior to the concert, The Wheaton Fire Department will show off one of its engines behind the band shell, joined by several “Classic Cars” for all to admire.