Wheaton Municipal Band celebrates the magic of movie music June 17

On Thursday, June 17, Wheaton Municipal Band will perform "A Night at the Movies" at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton.

The summer concert season began June 10 with standing ovations and thunderous applause as the audience and the band gratefully return to the tradition of concerts in the park on Thursday nights. The band waited 2 years to start its 92nd season and step onto the new Memorial Park stage. With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, the park opens to full capacity. The Wheaton Park District suggests you bring a chair, but there is limited stadium seating available.

This week's concert commemorates the 100th anniversary of the beloved Little Popcorn Shop in downtown Wheaton. So many people have fond memories of their Popcorn Shop experience.

Mara Chiocca remembers walking fieldtrips from Hubble Middle School (25 years ago at the Mariano's location), "I could spend a dollar on nickel candy and come away with a bag of goodies." At the concert, The Little Popcorn Store will sell small bags of popcorn and anniversary memorabilia.

Movie music touches the heart with its suspenseful crescendos, stirring stillness, and romantic moods. Dr. Bruce Moss selected a cacophony of music to thrill every taste. For the nostalgic, listen to the stunning sounds of John Barry's "Out of Africa." For heroic music listen to Elmer Bernstein's "The Magnificent Seven" and remember" Fantasia's "dancing hippos with the music of J.S. Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D minor. "

For the more current taste, what movie concert would be complete without John Williams, "Star Wars," and music from "The Avengers?"

The concert features a bass clarinet soloist Alessandro Tenorio-Bucci. His selection is Andante and Hungarian Rondo by Carl Maria Von Weber. The bass clarinet is not often featured as a solo instrument, but the low vibrations and mellow tones make it a treat.

To the loyal audience, the concerts will look and feel a bit different. The band size is reduced from its typical 90 members. But don't be fooled, with the amazing acoustics in the new band shell, the sound awes anyone in the park. The Friends of the Wheaton Municipal Band plan to sell refreshments, but their location has changed and will be situated in the back of the new band shell. Look for the Friend's concession stand behind the stage. Refreshments are limited this season.

Bring a seat and get ready to enjoy the Wheaton Municipal Band.