Indiana State University Newsroom

Retired Indiana State University band directors George Graesch and John Boyd will return to campus as guest conductors of the university's Wind Orchestra while Doug Keiser will conduct the ISU Symphonic Band during a concert Wednesday (Dec. 1).

Graesch, the longest serving director of bands in university history, retired in 1984 from Indiana State following a 31-year career. During a portion of that time he served with Joseph Gremelspacher , founding director bands at Indiana State. Boyd retired in 2010 after 21 years at ISU.

In conjunction with the concert, the ISU Archives will have a display of photographs from the Gremelspacher era, which began in 1939, through the Graesch and Boyd years.

"This will be a very special concert. We are honored to have each of these directors back as conductors and appreciate the assistance of the University Archives in rounding out this celebration of the history of bands at Indiana State," said Roby George, director of bands.

The Wind Orchestra is Indiana State's premier wind band and is comprised of the most proficient woodwind, brass and percussion performers. The Symphonic Band is open to all students at the university and members are selected by audition at the beginning of each semester.

The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Tilson Auditorium in Tirey Hall. Admission is free.

Contact: Roby George, director of bands, department of music, Indiana State University, 812-237-2771 or roby.george@indstate.edu

Writer: Dave Taylor, media relations director, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3743 or dave.taylor@indstate.edu