Throughout the year, “Behind the Horn” is an opportunity to feature the talented and dedicated members of the City’s band, always providing a behind-the-scenes look of lifelong musicianship. The NMB summer season is now underway at 7:30PM every Thursday through August 12 in Central Park, located in downtown Naperville.
This month Rita Grasser is welcomed to tell her story
Number of Years in NMB: 23
Past and/or Current Occupation: I was a middle school math teacher and later a Community College counselor. I am now retired.
Hobbies and Interests Outside the Band: I spend a lot of time being a playful Oma (grandma) with my two grandchildren. I am also an avid reader.
How many years have you played the clarinet and what drew you to it? I was told to play clarinet (I wanted to play a French horn). I played in grades 6-12. Sadly, I discontinued after high school. I resumed with NMB after 26 years of neither playing nor owning a clarinet. The most challenging part about playing after so many years was regaining the facial muscles needed for a good sound.
Why have you kept playing all these years? I love the results when a number of musicians – could be 2 or 100 – come together to produce a combined, intricate, whole sound that is greater than “the sum of the [individual] parts.” There is so much music written – more than enough for a lifetime of playing. I have read: “God gave us music so we can pray without words.”
Do you play anywhere else? I play woodwind quintet music with other NMB musicians. I go to Breckenridge, CO, for an adult band camp every summer.
Who was/is your greatest musical mentor? Why? My middle school band director made learning to play as a group fun. When I was 17, a clarinet teacher validated my playing ability at a significant moment when I played in the Illinois All State band.
What makes NMB so special? Players show up for weekly rehearsals and give their best in many community concerts year after year. We do this for the love of making music and for fun. NMB has many loyal fans that make us feel appreciated and valued. The band has been blessed for years with talented and committed leaders and directors.
What’s your favorite memory or funny story from playing in the NMB? Just like my first middle school band director, NMB directors make playing fun while at the same time pushing us to improve the final sound that we offer to our audience.
Also, when I was in high school, I attended the U of I summer band camp (ISYM). An “elder player” named Bill Jastrow was a friendly, supportive member of the percussion section. Who knew that years later he and I would play music together again in the NMB. The music world is a well-connected group indeed.
May 2026 – Behind the Horn With the Naperville Municipal Band
