Wheaton Municipal Band kicks off 92nd season on June 10
The Wheaton Municipal Band is back. Starting Thursday, June 10, the 2021 summer concert season begins at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton.
The band waited two years to start its 92nd season and step onto the new Memorial Park stage. Initially, the band worried about the Memorial Park project being completed on time, never anticipating a year of silence due to COVID-19.
The wait ends June 10, when the Wheaton Municipal Band opens the 2021 season in celebration. The opening season concert honors the 100th anniversary of the Wheaton Park District. At 7:30 p.m., Dr. Bruce Moss gives the downbeat and the year of Thursday night silence in the park ends.
To the loyal audience, the concerts will look and feel a bit different. All audience members need a free ticket to gain entrance into the park. Tickets are available on the band's website, www.wheatonmuncipalband.org. The ticket link posts at 9 a.m. the Friday preceding each concert. A limited number of tickets are available for each concert, so make sure to check in early. In addition, each audience member needs to bring a chair or blanket, as the park district is not providing benches this year.
The Friends of the Wheaton Municipal Band plans to sell refreshments, but their location has changed and will be situated in the new band shell. Refreshments are limited this season. In addition, the band will look different because of COVID restrictions. The band size is reduced to about 55 players, down from its typical 90 members. Each section has been proportionally reduced, so the sound will be balanced, just significantly diminished.
The first concert promises to be thrilling and exciting. The world premiere of a specially commissioned work by Jim Stephenson entitled "Forward!" moves the band into its new home and a post COVID-19 era. In addition, Dr. Moss selected songs of celebration to mark the opening of the band shell.
Be ready to tap your toes to Grainger, be mesmerized by Rossini and spellbound by Sousa. Wheaton Mayor Phil Suess, city council members and representatives of the Wheaton Park District will share in the exciting season opener.
Bring a seat and get ready to enjoy the opening of the 2021 season of the Wheaton Municipal Band.