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Kick off the 4th of July celebration with Wheaton Municipal Band July 1

Start the Fourth of July celebration off early with the Wheaton Municipal Band Concert on Thursday, July 1, in the Memorial Park Band Shell in downtown Wheaton.

Dr. Bruce Moss selected a program to fill the patriotic spirit. The program titled, "Patriotic Through and Through," fits the bill.

A pre-concert performance by the WMB Dixie Cups begins at 5:45 p.m. Bring a picnic and enjoy the spirited music of Dixieland jazz. The full band (reduced in size because of COVID-19) begins its performance at 7:30 p.m.

Nothing says patriotism like saluting military heroes. Veterans please stand and are recognized with the "Armed Forces Salute." In addition, the "American Civil War Fantasy" by Jerry Bilik and "American Legion Forever," by Morton Gould are sure to please.

Marches always stir the patriotic spirit. There are Sousa favorites, "The Washington Post" and "Stars and Stripes Forever," along with "The Army Air Corps March" by Robert Crawford.

Not often heard these days, music from the 1952-53 documentary series, "Victory at Sea" celebrates the service of so many during World War II. And not to be outdone, Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" will ring through Memorial Park to close the program.

Featured in this concert is soloist Devin Star performing the Artie Shaw "Concerto for Clarinet."

The Warrenville musician received his Doctor of Music degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2016. A professional clarinetist and pianist, Star, the principal clarinetist with the WMB, celebrates his 16th season. The concerto, written by one of the finest clarinetists of the big band era, celebrates the American jazz sound and the virtuosity of the clarinet.

For information, go to the band's website at www.wheatonmunicpalband.org.

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