Wheaton Band Festival a team effort

We appreciate the coverage that the Daily Herald gave to our 10th annual Wheaton Band Festival in July. The items in "Mark Your Calendar" and "Out and About" and Robert Sanchez's excellent article helped inform DuPage County residents about these free concerts.

The Chicago Brass Band, the Fox Valley Concert Band, the Joliet American Legion Band and the Navy Band Great Lakes played concerts that the attendees responded to with standing ovations. Councilmen Todd Scalzo and Phil Suess brought greetings from Mayor Gresk and the city council on the respective evenings. Ellen Huber of the Wheaton Park District served on the first festival planning committee and facilitated the arrangements for Memorial Park for all 10 of our festivals.

Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk, City Clerk, Emily Consolazio, along with Mark Horton and Gary White at city hall, all helped to make the festival a reality. Police Chief Mark Field processed the special event permit and the parking arrangements for the band vehicles.

The DuPage County Foundation, Tyndale House Publishing Company, Illinois Arts Council, Wheaton Rotary Noon Club and Wheaton Bank and Trust Company provided major financial support. The Wheaton Municipal Band supplied the chairs and stands for the bands, and the Friends of the WMB operated the concession stand both evenings. Through the Wheaton Band Festival, residents of Wheaton and surrounding communities donated 40 music instruments for needy children and teens enabling them to join bands, music classes and summer music camps offered by the Salvation Army of Metropolitan Chicago.

David Brewer, business administrator of Gary United Methodist Church, provided valuable assistance for the festival and the February benefit concert. At last count, at least 65 people helped plan and present this year's festival - truly a team effort.

Glenn F. Arnold

president, Wheaton Band Festival