Wheaton Municipal Band marches into summer season

Wheaton Municipal Band starts its 2016 summer season with a performance of selections from its latest CD, "Forward March."

The opening night concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 9, in Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton.

Wheaton Municipal Band's new CD reflects how popular marches are with the band's audiences with the timbre of the full band sound - blazing brass, shrill piccolo, the heavy beat of the percussion section and the up-tempo 2/4 time.

The standard Sousa-quality march stands as a staple in the concert band repertoire, but the opening concert will include more than marches. Also on the program are "Overture to Colas Breugnon" by Dmitri Kabalevsky, a Concert Piece by Felix Mendelssohn and "Symphonic Songs for Band" by Robert Bennett.

Featured soloists are former Wheaton Municipal Band members Sgt. First Class Joel Klenke and Staff Sgt. Jeremy Klenke, clarinetists now playing with the United States Army Field Band in Washington, D.C.

These brothers grew up in Warrenville and went to high school at Wheaton Warrenville South High School.

The Wheaton Municipal Band is known to foster talent. Other former members perform with top ensembles, including the Chicago Symphony, the United States Marine Band, and top orchestras and bands throughout the world.

The summer season continues at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 11. Concerts start a half-hour earlier than years past to accommodate the audience.

"This summer promises to be one of the best," music director Bruce Moss said.

All concerts are free. Audience members are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the park setting. For information, see wheatonmunicipalband.org.

If you go

What: Wheaton Municipal Band summer season

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 9; concerts continue Thursdays through Aug. 11

Where: Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton

Cost: Free

Info: wheatonmunicipalband.org