The Naperville Municipal Band was beginning to wrap up its 160th anniversary year when it took the stage Sun., Nov. 10, at Wentz Concert Hall.
Ann Lord returned to add colorful commentary for fun and enjoyment as the band performed familiar classics from the likes of Flash Gordon and Elvis Presley that had band fans saying, “I’ve heard that melody before, but where?”
Naperville Municipal Band Conductor and Music Director Ron Keller has been leading the city band since 1966. He was enthusiastic about all the surprises he arranged for the upbeat theme that showcased songs from the public domain by Mendelssohn, Lizst and other classic composers that have been made popular by play in radio, early TV shows and cartoons in the 20th and 21st centuries.
During Sunday’s afternoon concert, Keller was joined by Assistant Conductors Rene Rosas and Emily Binder.
Binder introduced four high school students—Jessica Hu, Arnav Khanna, Sameer Jain and Drew Pastore— who performed with the band, an honor given to band students during most Naperville Municipal Band concerts as a way to emphasize that “music is forever.”
Binder also welcomed Charles “Chip” Staley to share the spotlight who in turn addressed concert-goers with brief remarks about ArtSpeaks, an advocacy organization dedicated to “inspiring local community decision makers to place a high value on quality fine arts programs as part of a comprehensive 21st century K-12 education.” Staley, now retired, is well-recognized in the music community for his 30 years in School District 204 where he first served as a Fine Arts Chairman at Waubonsie Valley and then at Neuqua Valley High School.
Tuba Christmas is December 7
Tuba Christmas returns for the community’s delight at 11AM Sat., Dec. 7, outside US Bank in downtown Naperville. A second performance follows at 12:45PM at the Fox Valley Mall near Macy’s.
NMB Holiday Concert is December 8
The NMB Holiday Concert is scheduled for 3PM Sun., Dec. 8, at Neuqua Valley High School, on 95th Street.
For more information about the Naperville Municipal Band and its upcoming holiday and winter schedule, visit www.napervilleband.org.
