Wheaton residents wait all year for this, and it’s finally happening, The Wheaton Municipal Band season opener on Thursday, June 7 in Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton. This year, over 200 musicians competed for the 87 coveted spots in the band. Only the very best musicians make the cut, and this year’s band looks amazing. In addition and behind the scenes, Dr. Bruce Moss, music director, has worked over the winter months to put together an exciting season of great music.

2018 marks the summer of celebrations. The first concert celebrates what would have been Leonard Bernstein’s 100^th Birthday with the flamboyant “Overture to Candide.” In addition, the first concert of the WMB celebrates the 40^th anniversary of the release of the movie “Grease” with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. This beloved musical remains one of the most successful musicals of all times with its energetic 1950’s style music and infectious songs about young love.

Also slated the program, are marches of all variety, which includes marches by Sousa, a British March and Karl King. Sit back and enjoy the “Toccata Marziale” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “The Second American Folk Rhapsody” by Clare Grundman, “The Sandpaper Ballet” by Leroy Anderson and “Shoutin’ Liza Trombones” by Henry Fillmore.

The season runs from June 7 through August 9, with a wide variety of musical repertoire, soloists, and conductors.

All Thursday concerts start at 7:30 p.m at Memorial Park in downtown Wheaton. Bring a lawn chair or cozy up on one of the park benches and enjoy an evening of beautiful music from the renowned Wheaton Municipal Band. For more information, go to the band’s website at http://www.wheatonmunicipalband