Having a guest musician is not something new for the Ames Municipal Band.

However, having a guest as outstanding as internationally renowned opera singer Simon Estes is something new and exciting.

“He is really a living legend,” says Michael Golemo, director of the ensemble and associate professor of music. “He is such a professional and so prepared for rehearsal.”

Not only is Golemo ecstatic for Estes’ performance, he knows his band members will also treasure this experience to work with the Centerville native.

“I work with Ames [residents] and Iowa State students, but a lot of these are town people who’ve never had an experience like this,” Golemo says.

At Monday’s rehearsal, Golemo says he found it difficult to keep everyone on task.

Members of the municipal band, ranging from age 16 to 80, were in awe of Estes and the musical power within him. Golemo says he had to remind people to watch their music.

“He will do opera, patriotic and some show stuff,” Golemo says. “There will be a bit of everything.”

Singing a bit of everything is not new to Estes, who has been performing opera for almost 40 years. “In the field of music,” Estes says, “there is not much I haven’t done.”

Sharing his talent and love of music with the Ames community and the band members brings him much joy, he says.

“It will be a very entertaining show,” Estes says.

Even though Estes has appeared in People and Time magazines and has sung for four U.S. presidents, he still says that a show like this is not to be taken lightly.

“I love to keep learning,” Estes says. “I believe in sharing more than teaching.”

Estes teaches 10 weeks a year at Iowa State, coaching voice and working with students on diction, repertoire and even acting. The other 42 weeks, he is sharing his talent and personality with other people all over the world. In the fall, Estes says he will begin teaching a master’s program at Boston University.

Dave Ashby, a 27-year municipal band trumpet player, hopes the professionalism of the group is an additional reason to come to Thursday evening’s performance.

“These are good musicians,” Ashby says. “These are people with a long-time interest in music.”

Funded by the city of Ames, Golemo says the Ames Municipal Band is one of the best Iowa traditions and a great way to spend an Iowa night. Thursday, with Estes as the guest vocalist, should be no exception.

“Just enjoy music outside under the stars,” Golemo says. “With free admission, you just can’t beat it.”