Wheaton Municipal Band welcomes Bobby Francis to the podium June 18

The second of the 2026 Wheaton Municipal Band Concerts in the Park series welcomes maestro Bobby Francis to the podium on Thursday, June 18, in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton.

Part of the fun of having a guest conductor features a different perspective and some wonderful music selections. But there are also challenges, and the musicians in the Wheaton Municipal Band always step up and meet the demands of learning new music, anticipating the directions of a new conductor, and presenting a quality performance.

Francis, professor and director of bands at Texas Christian University, started his musical career on clarinet. He performed as principal clarinetist with the Texas Wind Symphony and frequently performed with the Dallas Wind Symphony. Francis performed as a saxophonist/woodwind player with many performing artists, including Gladys Knight and the Pips, Bob Crosby, Bobby Short, Johnny Mathis, Red Skelton. Francis is active as a guest clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor.

The Wheaton Municipal Band sits up a bit straighter as the downbeat signals the opening of the concert. Francis selected a program filled with energy and surprises. This concert displays the virtuosic excellence of the musicians.

“O La Chancla” by Dennis Llinas exudes energy and rhythmic drive all steamrolled through by the ostinato merengue in the percussion section. The word “Chancla” is Cuban for sandal. This music highlights the frenzy of a mother trying to discipline her children using the power of an unlikely aid, a sandal. There’s a bit of humor, but mostly driving rhythmic energy and the fun of the merengue.

Also, on the program is “Second Nature” by Viet Cuong. This unique work features the saxophone section of the band in a challenging technical display. The band performed “Second Nature” at the American Bandmaster’s Association Convention in March at the Harris Theater in Chicago. Performers Eric Goluszka, Vinnie Inendino, Bryan Polacek and Adam Hawthorne dazzle as a quartet against the rhythmic drive of the band accompaniment. There’s plenty more on the concert including marches, patriotic music, and music by John Williams.

Bring a blanket or chair for the free program at 7:30 pm in Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave. in downtown Wheaton. For information, go to the band’s website wheatonmunicipalband.com.