Celebrating 157 years in Naperville
Despite scattered storms throughout the day, the rain held off as the Naperville Municipal Band kicked off its 2016 summer concert series at Central Park in downtown.
The Band will play every Thursday night beginning at 7:30PM through August 18. Concerts are open to the public and free of charge.
Conductor and Music Director Ron Keller returns to strike up the 100-member band, beginning his 51st year of leadership, a dream come true that began when he was 27 years old! Ann Lord again serves as concert moderator.
The Naperville Community Concert Center at Central Park offers benches for music-goers while many bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. In addition, many audience members pack a picnic or enjoy goodies available for purchase at the gazebo during the concert. Every week features a different charitable organization selling snacks, baked goods and beverages.
The music is enjoyable for all ages and features tunes old and new. The June 9 concert included classics from Frank Sinatra, rousing marches and a compilation from the latest Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens.
Each week also features an audience appreciation raffle featuring prizes from local businesses. This week’s prizes included Downtown Naperville Gift Cards and Naper Settlement Memberships.
For more info on future concerts, visit www.napervilleband.org.
2016 Concert Schedule
June 9 – “Curtain Up”
As is tradition, Naperville Municipal Band scholarship winners were announced at the first concert of the season.
Students honored with 2016 NMB Scholarships, $250 per school, were: Sam DiMatteo, tuba, St. Raphael School; Eirk Ohst, flute, Hill Middle School; Ryan Nago, tuba, Granger Middle School; Isabella Isherwood, percussion, Jefferson Junior High; Andrew Whitlock, trombone, and Abida Asker, flute, Lincoln Junior High; Caitlyn Komar, trombone, Washington Junior High; Brooke Knapp, flute, Ss. Peter and Paul School; Nathan Lin, trombone, Scullen Middle School; Megan Halldow, alto sax, Madison Junior High; Lisa Liu, clarinet, Still Middle School; Brian Nicolellis, trombone, Gregory Middle School; Troy Smith, clarinet, Crone Middle School; Samantha Mitchell, flute, Kennedy Junior High; and Devin Pyla, percussion, Fischer Middle School.
Broadcast live on NCTV17
Bake Sale: Naperville Art League
Sponsor: Naper Settlement
June 16 – “A European Vacation”
Bake Sale: New Horizons Band Assoc. of DuPage
Sponsor: Ellman’s Music Center – With instrument petting zoo before concert
June 23 – “Game Day!” (wear your favorite team apparel)
Bake Sale: Naperville Men’s Glee Club
Sponsor: Kick’s Chicken Cafe
June 30 – “America the Beautiful” (1812 Overture)
Watch live on NCTV17
Bake Sale: Wesley United Methodist Church
Sponsor: Two Boston’s Pet Boutique
July 7 – “NMB Big Band”
Bake Sale: Naperville North Women’s LaCrosse Club
Sponsor: TBA
July 14 – “Robert Morris Night – 50 years”
Bake Sale: Holly’s Safe House for Strays
Sponsor: Catch 35 Restaurant
July 21 – “First Responders”
Watch live on NCTV17
Bake Sale: Cathy Darin Crusaders – Knights of Columbus-St. Raphael
Sponsor: TBA
July 28 – “Something Old, Something New”
Bake Sale: Community Career Center
Sponsor: TBA
August 4 – “Music Under the Stars” – Service Awards given
Watch live on NCTV17
Bake Sale: League of Women Voters of Naperville
Sponsor: TBA
August 11 – “Great Band Music”
Bake Sale: DuPage County 4-H Foundation
Sponsor: Naperville Bank and Trust
August 18 – Joint Big Band Concert
Bake Sale: Artful Impact!
Sponsor: NMB (Rain Date)
Click any photo to enlarge. Photos randomly placed from ‘Curtain Up.’
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