The Wheaton Municipal Band Takes a World Tour on July 11

In the first ever joint venture between the Wheaton Municipal Band and the Wheaton Community Relations Commission, “Wheaton World Tour: Celebrate Our Diversity” will be a spectacular event celebrating diversity and culture within our community on Thursday, July 11 in Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave, Wheaton. Activities begin at 6:00 p.m. with arts, crafts, dancing, and ethnic food trucks.  The Wheaton Municipal Band, under the direction of Dr. Bruce Moss, rounds out the evening at 8:00 p.m. with a musical world tour.

The journey begins in Europe with music of Strauss, the "Konigsmarsch".  The band then heads to Russia for Shostakovich’s "Folk Dances".  This work features a collection of native Russian dance tunes.  Originally taken from a theatrical production entitled Motherland, the suite exudes spirit and energy.  Then off to Great Britain for "English Dances" and "Four Scottish Dances" by Malcom Arnold.  Dr. Moss steps it up a notch in the Americas with "La Fiesta Mexicana" and "Brazilian Festival".  Other highlights of the evening are "Variations on a Korean Folk Song" by John Barnes Chance and Gershwin’s "Cuban Overture".

Featured on the concert is trombonist Robert Holland playing Brig. Gen. Charles Gates Dawes' "Melody in A Major" arranged for trombone and symphonic band by John Marcellus.  Holland says "the piece is a great example of the high, lyric quality of the trombone and, considering its origin, a fine piece of Americana.”

Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to celebrate diversity with music, food, art, dancing and community spirit.  The activities start at 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton.  The Wheaton Municipal Band performs at 8:00 p.m.