Dayton Melaniphy knew he wanted to play the trumpet after hearing a recording from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra that his music teacher played for the class.

“And I heard the trumpets playing this glorious sound, and I’m like, that’s what I want to do,” said Melaniphy.

And so he picked up the trumpet in fifth grade, played all through his years at Neuqua Valley High School, and continued performing while studying business at Indiana University. As graduation neared, he knew he wasn’t ready to step away from music.

“You’re passionate about something, you want to keep it in your life and keep it going,” said Melaniphy.

He sent an email to the Naperville Municipal Band, and received a phone call from an unknown number.

“Hello? ‘Hi, this is Ron Keller.’ I’m like, ‘hey Ron!’ and he goes ‘

See Full Page