Music is DJ Alstadt’s passion. So when the trumpet player and Naperville Central High School band director found an opportunity to combine his passion with a good cause, he liked the sound of that.
Alstadt said he hopes to pack Naperville Central’s auditorium at Friday night for the inaugural “Heroic Music for Heroic Causes,” a Veterans Day benefit concert that feature patriotic-themed music performed by the Chicago Educators Orchestra. Naperville resident Lt. Col. Bryan Miller of the U.S. Air Force will serve as conductor.
Proceeds will benefit Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 in Naperville, All Good Days – The Herath Family Foundation and Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra.
“Giving back to those that served our country is a very good thing for students at Naperville Central High School and adults modeling to their music students,” said Alstadt, who will trade in his conductor baton to play trumpet with the orchestra.
“I am giving back to our community that consistently answers the call for my student’s education. Giving back through music; that’s pretty amazing and special.”
The 80-member Chicago Educators Orchestra represents music educators who teach students in grade school through college. Alstadt is one of eight Naperville District 203 teachers who are orchestra members and are donating their talents to the event.
“It is important for our students to see their teachers as performing musicians,” Alstadt said. “The Chicago Educators Orchestra is a unique ensemble; this is a wonderful opportunity for students and adults to give back to our VFW and celebrate our nation together.”
The Naperville Central Wind Ensemble will open the program, which will be especially meaningful for 17-year-old flutist Emily Gray. Her brother, Michael, a 2012 graduate of Naperville Central, is currently serving in the U.S. Navy.
“Of course, having a brother in the military makes this event more personal,” said Emily, a junior. “For the sake of all veterans, current soldiers and their families, I hope this concert will provide help and support for everyone possible.”
Gray said the concert will allow the school’s Redhawk band to help veterans and their families and she is “extremely grateful” for the opportunity.
Alstadt shared the sentiment.
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“This is a chance to tap into what unites us all as Americans – the dreams and hopes for a better tomorrow – through the medium of music,” Alstadt said. “I hope adults, students and our community will have a (positive) experience at ‘Heroic Music for Heroic Causes.’ American music is something that is unique to our nation and our community, and we hope to celebrate (that) with the audience.”
‘Heroic Music for Heroic Causes’
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where:Naperville Central High School, 440 Aurora Ave., Naperville
Tickets:$10
Information: www.nchsbands.org/ceo-nov11-concert