Wheaton Municipal Band Concert takes on 'The ABC's of Music'

Any professional musician can attest that music is not as easy as your "ABC's, " but this week the Wheaton Municipal Band takes the alphabet challenge.

The result will be a concert with an eclectic blend of music with something for every taste at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, in the Memorial Park Band Shell, 208 W. Union Ave., in downtown Wheaton.

"The ABC's of Music" features the musicians in ever-challenging musical selections. Music Director Bruce Moss starts with the letter "A" and came up with "The American Civil War Fantasy" by Bilik and "Arioso" from Bach's Cantata No. 156.

Moving on to the letter "B," the band pulled out of the library "Belle of the Ball" by Leroy Anderson and "Boys of the Old Brigade March" by Chambers. Here comes letter "C" with the music of Bizet's "Carmen" and "Clarinet Candy" by Anderson.

The variety of concert band music made it easy to find appropriate music for the theme, but the challenge is to create a program that wows the audience.

In addition, the band is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the landing on the moon. Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin made the historic journey, which many consider one of the greatest achievements in science and exploration.

Five decades ago, Armstrong spoke the words, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

The concert will mark the occasion with "Celebration Overture" by Paul Creston and "Commando March" by Creston.

Principal bassoonist Vicki Long will be the featured soloist for the evening. She performs Movement III of the "Von Weber Bassoon Concerto." Bassoon is not often featured as a solo instrument with a concert band.

For more information, go to www.wheatonmunicipalband.org.