Wheaton Municipal Band honoring Vietnam War hero with commissioned piece at opening concert

Summer in Wheaton doesn’t really begin until the first concert of the Wheaton Municipal Band when the downbeat signals the first chord on Thursday, June 11, in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton.

This summer celebrates the long-standing tradition of concert bands in American history. Traditionally, American patriotic celebrations feature concert bands because they reflect a history deeply rooted with the military. Bands played a critical role in boosting troop morale and rousing patriotic spirit. The booming brass and percussion stir national pride. Plus, this summer the band adds a few fun surprises to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

The gala opening concert at 7:30 p.m. brings together 89 musicians who battled through a rigorous audition to secure their seat.

In a long-standing tradition, the Wheaton Municipal Band welcomes Wheaton Middle School students to sit next to the seasoned musicians and perform on several joint pieces.

One of the pieces was commissioned by Monroe Middle School band director Jeff Novak. The piece, “Guardians” by Wheaton resident Timothy Loest, was commissioned to honor the courage and legacy of James Howard Monroe, a U.S. Army Medal of Honor recipient, and Gold Star hero for whom the school is named.

“Guardians” debuted at Monroe Middle School’s 2026 spring band concert, bringing together students, families, and community members to reflect on Monroe’s sacrifice and the enduring values he represents service, leadership, and courage under fire. Written specifically with developing musicians in mind, the work blends expressive lyricism with bold, ceremonial gestures — inviting performers and listeners alike to consider what it means to protect and uplift others.

“James Howard Monroe’s story is part of our school’s identity and our city’s history,” said Jeff Novak, band director at Monroe Middle School.

Born in Aurora in 1944, James Monroe graduated from Wheaton Central High School in 1962. He went on to study political science at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. In 1966, Jimmy was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as a Private First Class Medic during the Vietnam War. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War. A combat medic in the First Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, First Cavalry Division, he posthumously received the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life for his fellow soldiers.

During a night attack on Feb. 16, 1967, in South Vietnam, Monroe’s platoon came under heavy fire. Monroe began doing his job, treating wounded men, specifically a radio operator and his platoon sergeant. When a live grenade fell in their foxhole, Monroe pushed the two men aside and lunged to cover the grenade, saving their lives and sacrificing his own. This act of selfless bravery earned Monroe the Medal of Honor which was presented to his family in October 1968. His courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations in Wheaton and beyond. Monroe Middle School bears his name in recognition of his legacy. In 2011, Monroe’s niece, Michelle Gattas, donated Jimmy’s Medal of Honor to the school. The Wheaton school created a “Wall of Honor” to memorialize James Monroe’s legacy.

According to the Medal of Honor Society website, Jimmy was given this honor “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” To further honor his bravery and memory, Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 named one of its middle schools after James Howard Monroe in 1969.

Band director Jeff Novak says, “Commissioning this piece ensures our students don’t just read about his bravery — they experience it through the power of music. ‘Guardians’ is a reminder that character and service are timeless, and that our young musicians can carry that message forward.”

Composer Tim Loest, a longtime Wheaton resident whose works are performed by student ensembles nationwide, crafted “Guardians” to be both accessible and artistically compelling.

“I wanted the music to honor James Howard Monroe’s selflessness and the quiet strength of those who safeguard others — our guardians at home and abroad,” Loest said. “The piece moves from introspection to resolve, symbolizing the journey from gratitude to action.”

Approximately 3,000 will attend the concert and hear this work at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, in Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave. in downtown Wheaton.

People from all over the western suburbs travel to hear the Wheaton Municipal Band. In its 96th season, the band stands as a symbol of excellence in the band world.

This past March, the Wheaton Municipal Band performed at the Harris Theatre in Chicago for the American Band Master’s Association. This honor was bestowed on the band for its excellence. At a time when many performing arts groups are struggling to find an audience, the Wheaton Municipal Band keeps attracting more and more audience members. The band’s structure stands as a model for bands across the country. The city of Wheaton funds the band, the Wheaton Park District provides a state-of-the-art stage, and the Friends of the Wheaton Municipal Band act as a fundraising arm to continue to allow the band to commission new works, travel for performances and fund special projects.

At the opening concert, in addition to this “Guardians,” there will be other patriotic pieces to kick off the 2026 season. Works include “Let Freedom Ring Fanfare” by Ryan Nowlin, ninth director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. “Variations on a Revolutionary Hymn” Claude T. Smith. “Variations on a Revolutionary Hymn” was the final major work by Smith.

The U.S. Army Field Band (William Clark, conductor) commissioned the work and it premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in September 1987. Of course, the concert includes rousing marches. The small-town feel of these concerts brings the community together and what better way to start the first concert of the 250th anniversary of America summer than to recognize one of Wheaton’s own.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket. For more information, go to facebook.com/wheatonmunicipalband or wheatonmunicipalband.org.