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The Naperville Municipal Big Band was established in the summer of 2004. The band came about as the result of a suggestion made to Ken Kalina, that a big band concert could be added to the summer concert series in Central Park. Ken had a very successful career in  ballroom bands in the 1940s, and 50s. He was the perfect choice to program the concert and lead the band, which he did for the next seven years. That first concert was a huge success. The big band became a regular part of the concerts in the park. The members are made up of Municipal Band members and other community musicians. All with a love of big band music. 

 

In 2008, an additional performance was added to the band's schedule. The "Celebration of the Big Band" is a concert with a guest big band and featuring a finale number with the bands combined. The band has had the pleasure of inviting seven guest bands to share our stage. It is one of the highlights of our concert season.  

 

Tracy Oliver was lead saxophone in the band since 2004 and became the director of the band with the passing of Ken Kalina in 2011.