Wheaton Municipal Band presents children's concert with Disney composer James Christensen on June 27

The Wheaton Municipal Band presents its ever-popular annual children’s concert on Thursday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton. Retired Disney composer/arranger James Christensen is the guest conductor for the evening.

The action starts at 6:30 p.m. with an instrument petting zoo, where Wheaton Band members will assist young and old in trying out all kinds of instruments, from oboes to tubas. Kids delight in the pre-concert interactive fun and nothing teaches the appreciation of fine musicianship more than attempting to get a sound out of these horns.  The toots and squawks blend in with the concert band warm-up to create a magical evening.  In addition, a pre-concert rendition of “Peter and the Wolf” will feature a woodwind quintet from the band.

The maestro for the evening, James Christensen, served for over 37 years as music director for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and conducted the All-American Marching Band at the grand opening of Euro-Disneyland in Paris. A prolific composer/arranger with over 400 published works to his credit, Christiansen has appeared as guest conductor with the symphonic orchestras of Houston, San Diego, Winnipeg and Honolulu, the New Orleans Pops, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and others.

Christensen’s arrangements are heard at theme parks around the world, including all the Disney parks, Knott’s Berry Farm, Canada’s Wonderland, Hershey Park, Lotte World (Korea), Everland, and Movie World in Germany. He has also arranged and orchestrated music for the Boston Pops, the London Philharmonic, several Super Bowls, and MENC’s World Largest Concert.  The Wheaton audience can look forward to hearing many beloved Disney tunes among other favorites as Christensen shares some of these works with the Wheaton Municipal Band at the concert.  

Don’t miss this great evening of fun and fine music on Thursday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m.  Come early and enjoy the petting zoo and the pre-concert music at 6:30 p.m.  All the action takes place at Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton, IL.  Best of all it is FREE.