Above / Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico honored Robert Morris with a proclamation from the City of Naperville during the July 14, 2016, Naperville Municipal Band Concert, recognizing the saxophonist’s 50-year commitment to the band.
The Naperville Municipal Band honored saxophonist Robert “Bob” Morris at its sixth summer concert Thursday night in Central Park.
Morris, a member of the band for 50 years, vividly recalls his audition on the third floor of Washington Junior High School in 1966. All these years later, he’ll likely remember his recognition with a proclamation from Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico in addition to honors from both Illinois United States Senators Mark Kirk and Dick Durbin; Illinois State Senator Mike Connelly; and the Illinois House of Representatives, thanks to State Rep. Grant Wehrli.
Beyond elected officials, Morris’ children surprised him by returning to Naperville to fete his first 50 years. His wife, Jean, is well known for her time at North Central College.
Emcee Ann Lord enjoyed pulling it all together from her microphone on stage.
And the musical connections just kept on giving for the saxophonist who got his start in Sterling, Illinois.
Whether the “Salute to Sterling March,” “Old Comrades March” or “Finale to The William Tell Overture,” the musical selections and heartfelt tributes created lasting memories for Concert No. 6 in Central Park.
Toe-tapping marches and the Beer Barrel Polka attracted dancing along the sidewalks, too.
Summer concerts continue through August 18
The 100-piece Naperville Municipal Band plays every Thursday night beginning at 7:30PM through August 18. Concerts are open to the public and free of charge.
Refreshments are available at the gazebo to help promote and raise funds for a different local nonprofit agency every week. Thursday’s bake sale, complete with popcorn and other treats, was hosted by Holly’s Safe House for Strays. (Note that nonprofit groups can apply to be part of the lottery drawing early in 2017 when groups are selected to host the bake sale.)
Every week also features an audience appreciation raffle featuring prizes from local businesses that sponsor the evening concert.
Last night’s concert was sponsored by Catch 35, the downtown restaurant that offers a special three-course “Picnic at the Park” boxed dinner, available every Thursday in addition to casual fine dining throughout the year.
For more info on future summer concerts and indoor concerts, visit www.napervilleband.org. The award-winning band has been entertaining for Naperville since 1859.
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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 & come to stump the band!)
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 (Ask about special box dinners for Central Park available before every concert.)
Still to Play!
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)
Thanks for sharing this post with friends and family. Strike up the band in Central Park!
