Wheaton band celebrates July 4th early with Patriotic Concert
Always one of the most anticipated concerts of the Wheaton Municipal Band’s summer series, the Wheaton Municipal Band’s Patriotic Concert kicks of the Fourth of July celebrations on Wednesday, July 2
It will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga in downtown Wheaton. Note, the concert is on a Wednesday this week.
A special pre-concert performance by the Dixie Cups jazz combo starts at 6 p.m. The sounds of the Dixie Cup’s Dixieland Jazz present the perfect opportunity to picnic in Memorial Park and reserve your spot for the full band concert at 7:30 p.m.
Patriotic music speaks from the heart to honor a shared heritage. In these divided times, music speaks in a way that can bring people together. Each year, the music director, Bruce Moss, painstakingly selects the music for the concert to connect with the audience and speak to the collective heart of the meaning of the Fourth of July celebration.
A highlight at this concert is John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Considered one of his most iconic marches, Sousa spoke to the American ideals and saluted American troops. He served as the director of the Marine Band and composed many of his works for patriotic occasions.
Another patriotic staple is “God Bless America,” written in 1918 by Irving Berlin. It is sometimes considered an unofficial national anthem. The band arrangement, by Carmen Dragon utilizes the English horn and alto sax in a stirring rendition of this iconic song.
Also included in the concert is John Williams’ “Summon the Heroes.” Originally written in 1996 for the Olympics’ opening ceremony, this iconic work stirs the patriotic soul with its brass choirs.
Two weeks ago, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Taylor from West Point joined Moss on the podium to conduct his arrangements and compositions.
Included in the Patriotic concert is a work written by Taylor, “The Battle Cry for Freedom,” and an arrangement of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.”
In keeping with the patriotic spirit, the band features piccolo soloist Barb Holland. Selecting a new work just recently published by Jerry Brubaker, Holland performs “Piccolodia.”
Holland, a longtime member of the Wheaton Municipal Band and a trustee on the band board, has performed as a soloist many times with the band.
Moss has some surprises up his sleeve for this year’s patriotic performance. Come early and bring a picnic and enjoy the sounds of the Wheaton Municipal Band’s Dixie Cups at 6 p.m. For more information check out the band’s website at www.wheatonmunicipalband.org.