The Wheaton Municipal Band continues its American Salute on July 7

The Wheaton Municipal Band will present a second patriotic concert in Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave, Wheaton, on Thursday, July 7 at 8:00 p.m. Lucky for all, this year there are two patriotic concerts because July 4th falls in between two concert dates.

Guest Conductor, Dr. Russell Coleman, director of Bands Emeritus at the University of Central Missouri will open the show with “A Copland Portrait”, a medley of some of Aaron Copland’s most beloved works, which include: Fanfare for a Common Man, Saturday Night Waltz, El Salon Mexico, Appalachian Spring, Buckaroo Holiday and Hoe Down. Coleman has led The University of Central Missouri’s band program to high levels of accomplishment. Under his direction his Central Missouri University band has recorded over 150 new compositions for Belwin Publishing Company. Dr. Coleman is a member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and was elected to the Missouri Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame and the Missouri Music Educators Association Hall of Fame.

Also slated for this exciting Patriotic program is the “Suite of Old American Dances” by Robert Russell Bennett. This is an all-time favorite for audiences and band members alike. The movements include: Cake Walk, Schottische, Western One-Step, Wallflower Waltz, and Rag. There is even a bit of Hoagy Carmichael arranged by Warren Barker on the evening’s program. Feel free to sing along to “Stardust,” “Georgia on My Mind,” “The Nearness of You," and “Heart and Soul.” Of course, the audience will be thrilled by a few marches as well.