Wheaton Municipal Band opens summer concert series on June 6

The Wheaton Municipal Band marks its 84th season with a stunning season opening concert on Thursday, June 6 at 8:00 p.m. in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton. The music features everyone's favorites from marches, to show tunes to overtures. Under the direction of Dr. Bruce Moss, this world-class band will once again shine under the stars.

On the program is the beloved Rossini Overture Italian in Algiers. This wonderful Rossini classic claims a sweet melodious oboe solo and toe tapping prestos. All the musicians' tongues will be doing double time to keep up. For Broadway fans, selections from “Oliver” will float through the air. And of course several marches round out the program including favorites by Fillmore, Sousa and Bilik.

Joining the band for the opening concert are Wheaton Middle School Students from Hubble Middle School, Monroe Middle School, Franklin Middle School, and Edison Middle School. The students have been practicing furiously for the past several months in preparation for their chance to sit in with the Wheaton Municipal Band. The music featured is that of Wheaton composer Timothy Loest. Loest, a middle school band director himself, shares his clever and whimsical numbers with the band. Look in the trombone section where you will see at least 4 middle school trombonists sitting next to Wheaton Band Veteran Al Loek, who is celebrating his 49th year with the band.

Don't miss the season opener on Thursday, June 6 at 8:00 p.m. in Memorial Park. Bring a lawn chair, a picnic and sit back and relax. Admission is FREE.