New Des Plaines community concert band director named

Local music educator William Gilmer has been named the new conductor of the Des Plaines Park District Community Concert Band, officials announced Wednesday.

Gilmer retired as band director from Willowbrook High School, where he spent 28 years. He was selected after a three-month search and audition process.

Gilmer also previously served as associate director of bands at York Community High School in Elmhurst, and taught in East Maine School District 63.

He replaces Lawrence Carle, who retired in December after 30 years as the founding conductor and music director of the concert band.

Gilmer has a bachelor of music education and bachelor of music degree from the University of Tulsa and a master of music degree from Northwestern University.

His first concert with the band is at 7 p.m. Friday, May 16, in the Prairie Lakes Theater.