Band concert a truly memorable night

I wish to thank all the wonderful people of Mount Prospect and other communities who attended the Aug. 21 concert by the combined bands of Il Corpo Musicale Olgiatese and Mount Prospect, in the Lions Park gym.

There are just too many people to thank for their efforts to make the visit by our Italian friends one that they will cherish the rest of their lives. The memory of that concert is going to remind them and all of us how small our world is.

In the 24 years that I have been a member of Mount Prospect's band, I have never been part of a performance where such unbridled enthusiasm and appreciation by an audience has so thrilled us as performers.

I've been told by the park district that over 800 people were crammed in that gym with a standing room crowd listening from the lobby.

The band has always had a loyal following for an audience but that turnout was astonishing. We can only guess at the number of people who would have attended had the weather cooperated and the concert had been held in the band shell!

I guess that when Ralph Wilder exhorted our audience at the last two regular summer concerts to "give a buck for the (Italian) band", folks wanted to see what their donation got them. I hope no one was disappointed!

I feel confident that I can speak for the band members in saying that you, as our audience, are the ones who deserve our sincere thanks for making the entire experience so rewarding. I hope you all feel proud and a little richer for your contribution.

John Alfini

Northbrook