The Wheaton Municipal Band Plays A Patriotic Salute

Since the 4th of July falls on a Wednesday this year, the Wheaton Municipal Band decided to present two Patriotic Concerts. These concerts are favorites among the Wheaton Municipal Band fans, and bring thousands of people to Memorial Park.

Everyone gets two chances to hear great patriotic music.

On Thursday, June 28, at 8:00 p.m. in Memorial Park, the band will blend traditional patriotic favorites, like Sousa's “Stars and Stripes Forever” with the all time favorite bicentennial edition of the classic “1812 Overture.” Then on July 5th the patriotic music continues.

For the first concert, the band will feature one of its own members, Karen Olsen (Aurora) playing Lassus Trumpet by Henry Fillmore. If you are familiar with Lassus Trombone, you will recognize this favorite, with a slight twist. Your eyes are not deceiving you. It is a slide trumpet. For all those who have never seen a slide trumpet, this is your chance.

“A slide trumpet is similar to a trombone,” says Olsen. “Instead of valves, it uses a slide.” It resembles a soprano trombone, but they are distinctly different. “A soprano trombone looks like a mini-trombone, with the mouthpiece midway down the length of the instrument, but a slide trumpet has the mouthpiece on the end.” I have had this instrument on loan for a couple of years, and was looking for a place to play it. I thought it'd be neat to play a popular, recognizable trombone smear piece on the slide trumpet.”

Olsen has a bachelor's in music education degree from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana (2005) and a Master of Music Education from the University of Illinois. She has played in the Wheaton Municipal Band off and on since high school. She taught band in Naperville at Crone Middle School and is currently the director of bands for School District 81 in Schiller Park.

Don't miss this outstanding Patriotic concert in Memorial Park. Come early, bring a picnic and enjoy a piece of Americana. Director, Dr. Bruce Moss gives the downbeat at 8:00 p.m. sharp. Don't miss it.