Aurora West band director placed on leave

A longtime band director at West Aurora High School has been placed on administrative leave by the school district, according to a district spokesman.

Steve Orland was placed on leave “several days ago,” said Dist. 129 community relations director Mike Chapin.

“He’s on administrative leave from the school district pending a personnel investigation,” Chapin said.

Chapin said he could not comment on why Orland was placed on leave.

Aurora police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said Orland has not been arrested and is not facing any charges.

Orland, who is also director of the Aurora American Legion Band, has been the director of the West Aurora High School band for about 19 years, according to his biography on the American Legion’s website.

The West Aurora Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble bands, which Orland directs, are scheduled to perform a concert Thursday night at the school’s auditorium.