Past Conductors of the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas

www.tonawandalegionband.com

Band of the Tonawandas

American Legion Post 264 ♦ Tonawanda NY

Past Band Conductors

William Weikert

(Conductor 1985-2008)

William Weikert has been the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas Music Director and Conductor since 1985. Mr. Weikert holds Bachelors and Masters degrees from the Ithaca College School of Music, where he studied tuba and conducting with Walter Beeler.

Mr. Weikert taught in the Maryvale School System from 1967 to 2000, where his high school wind ensemble had a 6A rating for 15 consecutive years at New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) competition festivals. From 1981-1985 he served as President of the Board of Directors for the Erie County Music Educators Association. He also served as the Western New York Zone Representative for NYSSMA from 1985-1988.

In 1996, Mr. Weikert received the New York State Band Directors Association "Outstanding Band Director" award as well as the Buffalo Philharmonic/Erie County Music Educators "Outstanding Music Educator" award. While he has been with the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas, they have won a Gold Medal in International Competition in Sydney, Australia and 14 American Legion National Championships.

Mr. Weikert decided to retire from conducting the Band in 2008, after a very successful 24 year run. He and his wife Dyan will be doing some traveling, enjoying their grandchildren, and now have time to be more active in their church.