Wheaton Municipal Band to host two U.S. Marine Band virtuosos at July 16 concert

Continuing the celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the Wheaton Municipal Band salutes two “President’s Own” Marine Band musicians at the concert on Thursday, July 16, in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton.

Master Sgt. Brandon Eubank and Staff Sgt. Daniel Taubenheim solo on trumpet and show off their outstanding technique and musicianship. Both men grew up in Illinois and have strong roots in the Chicago music scene.

It is a rare treat to hear this kind of musicianship, and music director Bruce Moss is delighted to have coordinated their appearance at this concert.

Taubenheim performs “Fantasie Brilliante” by Jean-Baptiste Arban/Donald Hunsberger. Inspired by the virtuosity of Paganini, Arban is credited with establishing the cornet as a virtuoso solo instrument. His “Grande Methode,” written in 1864 helped develop the technique required to perform virtuoso compositions.

Eubank performs “The Bride of the Waves” by Herbert Clarke. This is another virtuosic composition which shows off the soloist’s technique. Plus, the two men come together to perform the crowd pleaser, “Bugler’s Holiday” by Leroy Anderson.

Of course there will be a Sousa march. Expect more patriotic music with “Fanfare 250,” by Noah Taylor and “Celebration Overture” by Paul Creston. Considered one of the most celebrated patriotic songs, the band plays a special arrangement of Woodie Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land.” Guthrie’s tune frequently appears as an alternative national anthem.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Park, 225 Karlkoga Ave. in downtown Wheaton. For more information, go to the band’s website at wheatonmunicipalband.org.