Renowned band director Alfred Watkins to lead Wheaton Municipal Band’s July 31 concert

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the Wheaton Municipal Band under the direction of Alfred Watkins on Thursday, July 31. Music director Bruce Moss doesn’t give up his podium to just anyone. He hand selected Watkins because of his stellar reputation as a band director.

Watkins is the director of the Cobb Wind Symphony in Marietta, Georgia. Under his direction, the band performed at the prestigious Midwest Clinic at McCormick place in 2003, 2011, and 2016, The National Band Association / College Band Directors National Southern Division Conference and won the 2009 Sousa Sudler Silver Scroll.

The Sousa Foundation recognized The Cobb Wind Symphony for their high standards of excellence, and which have played a significant and leading role in the cultural and musical environment in their respective communities.

Watkins brings to the Wheaton stage a concert filled with interesting and challenging works. Right off the bat, the concert presents “Illumination” by David Maslanka.

Best known for his wind ensemble compositions, Maslanka works are known for their colorful harmonies, huge double fortes, and repetitive rhythmic challenges. Remember the Wheaton Municipal Band only has one rehearsal before a concert, so this is a tall order to perform.

Watkins programs music for this concert that has not been performed by the Wheaton Municipal Band. Some of the works include “A Movement for Rosa,” by Mark Camphouse, “With Each Sunset” by Richard Saucedo, and “Big City Lights” by Dr. Marie Douglas. But don’t worry, there are plenty of tunes you will recognize, A Sousa March, “Songs by Sinatra!” arranged by Stephen Bulla, and “Billy Joel in Concert” arranged by Paul Murtha.

As part of the community initiative with the WMB and the People’s Resource Center, the People’s Recourse Center will be collecting nonperishable food items, other supplies, and monetary donations at this week’s concert.

For those music lovers who have been craving a unique music experience, come to the Wheaton Municipal Band Concert at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave. in downtown Wheaton. Bring a lawn chair, sit back, and relax to the sounds of the WMB under the direction of Alfred Watkins.

The Wheaton Municipal Band will wrap up their 96th year on Aug. 7 with “Favorites!” where the band closes the season with time-honored favorites that have been performed throughout the years.

For more information, go to the band’s website at www.wheatonmunicipalband.org or follow facebook.com/WheatonMunicipalBand/.