Guest conductor makes first appearance with Wheaton Municipal Band at June 22 concert

On Thursday, June 22, guest conductor Dr. Mary K. Schneider steps up to the podium to conduct this week's performance of the Wheaton Municipal Band.

The concert begins as usual with a fanfare, but not the usual fanfare.

"Fanfare Politeia "by Kimberly Archer, was commissioned by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band for the 59th Presidential Inauguration. It's driving force reflects the grand entrance of a military band and is a fitting start to an exciting program.

Moving on to the "Six Dances" by Rossini. Rossini transcriptions from opera to wind band challenges the technical prowess of the woodwinds. Transcribing string parts to the flutes, clarinets, and oboes, tests the reading and finger power of each player.

Onward, to Gershwin's "Cuban Overture." Another challenging work, which pairs Gershwin's melodic and harmonic genius with intricate Latin jazz rhythms.

Remember, the Wheaton Municipal Band has only one night to rehearse the program, so the band's musicians will be showing off their technique and sight-reading skills.

In addition, the band will be getting used to the subtleties of a new conductor.

From Cuba to Spain, the concert moves on to music Joaquin Turina, a Spanish composer. "La Procession du Rocio" portrays the Gypsy section of Seville, Triana, and is filled with wonderful idiomatic nuances of Spanish Flamenco music. The concert also includes favorites of Bernstein, Holst, and John Williams.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave. in downtown Wheaton.

Schneider is professor of conducting and director of bands at Eastern Michigan University. One of Schneider's focuses is on new music for winds. Her passion has led her to premiering new works for wind band including collaborations with a diverse group of composers. This is Schneider's first appearance with the Wheaton Municipal Band. The program Schneider selected for this week's concert differs from the standard repertoire played by the Wheaton Band. The concert reflects Schneiders focus on variety, uniqueness, and diversity.

Schneider holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and degrees in horn performance and music education from the New England Conservatory of Music, and the University of Connecticut, Schneider currently is President of the North Central Division of the College Band Directors.

For more information, go to the band's website at www.wheatonmuncipalband.org.