Wheaton Municipal Band celebrates 90th season with the music of Disney June 20
The Wheaton Municipal Band celebrates its 90th anniversary season with its third free concert of the 2019 season at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at the Memorial Park Band Shell in downtown Wheaton.
Ninety years ago, Herbert Hoover presided as president and the country sunk into the Great Depression.
Yet, out of the dark days in United States history, the Wheaton City Council founded the 19-member Wheaton Municipal Band. That same year celebrated the birth of Mickey Mouse.
In a Walt Disney directed film, "Steamboat Willie," the lovable rodent emerged. Not only has Disney created lovable characters, the music generated by the Disney brings love and smiles throughout generations. The iconic music is associated with the characters, TV shows, movies and theaters.
On Thursday, the Wheaton Municipal Band celebrates the music of Disney. From "Mickey Mouse March," to the music of "Fantasia" to the scores from loads of films, Disney music strikes a special place in the nostalgic heart. It ignites the child in everyone.
This week's concert presents a preconcert instrument petting zoo for the whole family. Everyone is invited to try out various instruments. Toot a tube, squawk on an oboe, whistle on a flute, and experience the skills involved in creating sounds on the various band instruments.
In addition, a limited number of Mickey Mouse ears will be distributed to the first kids to arrive.
At Thursday's concert the Wheaton Municipal Band welcomes a delegation from Wheaton's sister city, Karlskoga, Sweden. The idea of a sister city was first introduced by President Eisenhower in 1956. The initiative started to create "citizen diplomacy" and a chance to exchange cultural ideas. Wheaton's relationship began with the efforts of Teri Ash in 1973. Ash, a German schoolteacher, liked the idea.
The current delegation announced their planned visit to Mayor Phil Seuss, who plans to share dinner, conversation and a chance to show off the Wheaton Municipal Band. A special musical number will commemorate the occasion.
Each week, the Wheaton Municipal Band features members of the band as soloists. This week, Garth Anderson, principal trumpet in the band, and Anya Gavin perform a trumpet duet, "Side Partners" by Herbert L. Clarke.
Come early for the instrument petting zoo at 6:30 p.m. with the concert starting at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton.
For more information, check out the band's website at www.wheatonmunicipalband.org or www.facebook.com/WheatonMunicipalBand/.