American Wind Band Bids Farewell to Director at Outdoor Concert

Musical Director, Angelo Iovinelli, will be retiring after fifteen years of service to the American Wind Band. He became the Associate Conductor of the band in 2000 and the Musical Director in 2009. During his tenure, Iovinelli helped establish a scholarship competition to assist area eighth grade and high school students obtain further musical instruction. He also worked diligently to help the band’s successful transition from Oakbrook Terrace to Downers Grove where both the band’s membership and audience have increased in numbers. Iovinelli also enlisted the help of his extended family who have generously helped the AWB, providing storage space for the band’s equipment and helping on concert day, putting up signs, ushering, taking pictures, and serving as parking attendants.

Known as Mr. I to hundreds of music students, Iovinelli taught at Riverside Brookfield High School, St. Joseph High School in Westchester, and Triton College. He also started The Spartan Band, a youth community band that marched in parades and participated in competitions throughout the summer.

Iovinelli’s final concert will be on Friday, June 5, at 7:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 80, 4000 Saratoga Avenue, in Downers Grove. The concert is free and open to the public. The AWB encourages all to attend to show their appreciation for Angie’s dedication to musical education. Audience members should bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. The concert will be held indoors if there is inclement weather.

The AWB is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides five free concerts to the public each year. As a non-profit organization, the band relies on donations from the public and advertising in its concert programs to support its mission of promoting and encouraging the understanding, appreciation, and study of concert band literature through performance.

The American Wind Band will start its twenty-seventh season in September. New members are welcome to attend rehearsals at the Herrick Middle School band room, 4435 Middaugh Avenue, in Downers Grove, on Tuesday nights from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Visit http://www.americanwindband.org for more information about the band.