Des Plaines gets new band conductor - second in as many years
The Des Plaines Community Concert Band has a new conductor - its second in as many years.
The Des Plaines Park District this week chose Al Legutki permanently fill the role, after its last conductor, William Gilmer, stepped down. Gilmer and his wife, Martha, relocated out of state when she was named CEO of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.
Legutki had filled in as conductor for a short time last year until Gilmer was hired. Gilmer's predecessor, Lawrence Carle. retired in December 2013 after 30 years as the founding conductor and music director of the concert band.
Legutki is an assistant professor of music education at Benedictine University, and has also been a church choir director, community band director, and member of the trumpet section in several community bands. His wife, Melissa, is also a trumpet player and music teacher at Algonquin Middle School in Des Plaines, park district officials said.
Legutki's first performance as conductor will be 7 p.m. Thursday at the annual Live at the Lake summer concert series at Lake Park Memorial Pavilion.