The Wheaton Municipal Band Gets By with a Little Help From Our Friends
Wheaton Municipal Band pays tribute to their "Friends" On Thursday, August 6, at 8:00 p.m. in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton. "The Friends of the Wheaton Municipal Band" is a volunteer group that works tirelessly to fundraise and work the concession stand each Thursday night during the summer. Although the City of Wheaton offers the majority of the band's financial support, the money the "Friends" raise goes to purchasing and commissioning new music, performing at esteemed events (The Midwest Band Clinic at McCormick Place) and special purchases. The August 6 concert, under the direction of Dr. Bruce Moss, is dedicated to all those people who donate their time and energy to benefit the Wheaton Municipal Band and its musicians. For one night only, the "Friends" get to sit and enjoy the concert, rather than manning the popcorn stand and selling programs. In addition, each "Friend" member offered suggestions for the music of the evening. These volunteers listen to the band every week, so they have a discriminating ear and are very opinioned about the musical selections the band plays.
Larry & Judy Beckerdite selected the "Light Calvary Overture" by Von Suppe. This operatic overture premiered in Vienna in 1866. Although the operetta is rarely performed or recorded, the overture is one of Suppé's most popular compositions. Tina Cavalli, the wife of the Band's president Don Cavalli, selected music from "Phantom of the Opera." Both the Cavallis are fans of the Broadway musical. Liz Robertson selected "Polka & Fugue from Schwanda the Bagpiper." This clever and intricate composition shows off every section of the band. Art & Elizabeth Feder chose "The Tribute to Marvin Hamlish. " A prolific composer, Hamlish wrote such standards as "Chorus Line," "They're Playing our Song," and "The Theme from Ice Castles." Janet Nurse, founder of the Friends of the Wheaton Municipal Band and a former clarinetist in the band, selected "High School Cadets" by Sousa.
Also on the program are three esteemed musical soloists: Mark Ponzo-trumpet (Northern Illinois University professor), Paul Bauer-trombone (Northern Illinois University professor retired) and Paul Hunt-trombone (Professor at Kansas State University). In addition, the band honors long time music educator Fred Lewis who passed away in June. Lewis taught at Fenton High School in Bensenville for 45 years and conducted many of the Wheaton Municipal Band members in The Bensenville-Wooddale Community Band. The band performs "Welsh Ayres and Dances by Sheldon as a salute to Fred. Lewis.
This is a concert not to be missed. Come early and find a seat, or bring your lawn chair and cozy up to the band shell. Thursday, August 6 at 8:00 p.m. in Memorial park in downtown Wheaton will be one of the best concerts of the season. For more information go to the website at www.wheatonmunicipalband.org.