History

The Naperville Municipal Band has a long and rich history. It dates back to 1859 when a group of 15 men got together, practiced and played for a 4th of July picnic at Burlington Park. It must have been impressive as it was written up in “The Sentinel”, a county newspaper. Early band members were: Joseph Hiltenbrand, John V. Kreger, Wes Beidelman, Joseph Krapf, John Collins, Joseph Bapst (great grandfather of current director Ron Keller), Jacob Heim, Valentine Dieter and James Vallete. Mr Vallette’s cornet is on display at the Interlochen National Music Camp in Michigan. The NMB has a project to recreate this original “Naperville Light Guard Band” with uniforms and instruments of the period from about 1880—1900.

The band used to perform on Saturday nights in downtown Naperville, usually setting up on a street corner under the street light so musicians could see the music. The City built a band shell in Central Park in the 1890’s. It was a “gazebo” shaped structure that lasted until 1926. The band was incorporated as “The Naperville Municipal Band” as a not-for-profit under a new Illinois Band Law. The law allowed towns to levy a tax upon themselves to support a band and the voters of Naperville passed a levy on April 30, 1930. A wooden band shell was constructed in Central Park in the middle 30’s and was used until the city condemned it in 1963. The voters of Naperville again came to the band’s rescue with a referendum to build a new concrete “permanent” shell. It was completed and dedicated in June 1966. It too was condemned and demolished in 1999. Current director Ron Keller has seen two band shells condemned and demolished during his tenure. The City of Naperville has again come to the aid of the NMB and approved a substantial structure that will serve not only as a concert facility but a year round home for the band. Ground breaking for this structure took place January 4, 2002