Memoral Concert Sunday to Honor Don Gillespie, Jr.

Donald J. Gillespie, Jr. led the Lexington Public Schools' music department for nearly 50 years, founded the Lexington Bicentennial Band (LBB) and had a resume stacked with a wealth of accomplishments.

On Sunday, his many fans, friends and former students will have an opportunity to honor the late music director at the Donald J. Gillespie, Jr. Memorial Concert. Gillespie, a Lexington resident since 1946, died on March 22 at age 89.

The concert will take place at his namesake auditorium at the Donald J. Gillespie, Jr. Auditorium on Sunday, Oct. 10 at 3 p.m.

Three bands will share the stage – the LHS Wind Ensemble, Lexington Bicentennial Band (LBB) and a new group formed specifically for this event, the Alumni Band, made up of LBB and LHS alumni.

The bands will perform many of Gillespie's favorite tunes, including "Molly on the Shore," "Mr. Dixieland Fronts the Band" and "Hands Across the Sea."

Jeffrey Leonard, who succeeded Gillespie as coordinator of the K-12 Performing Arts Department for Lexington Public Schools and as LBB's music director, credits his predecessor for laying the groundwork which has made music such a successful, well-supported art in Lexington.

"He is the one that grew the Lexington Music Department," said Leonard. "He's the one that hired the people and put the curriculum in place. He's the founder of the feast, the great facilitator of music education in the town and of the music program in the public schools."

Since Leonard began his career in Lexington 28 years ago, the music program has grown to twice its original size. And if not for the hard work of Gillespie, it would not have been possible, Leonard said.

"He established music as precedence," he said. "Even in tough economic times, people didn't try to cut us. He established music as being important to the town and the town has long held that value, and it continues to."

Gillespie had a great influence on many of his former students, including two who are members of the LBB.

Beth Levine, a flutist, recalls how nervous she was when she first joined the band as an adult beginner in 1991 under Gillespie's direction. At her very first rehearsal, when it was time to begin the first piece, she was not able to follow along.

"When the piece was done, I looked up at Don and said, 'You forgot to wait for me,' and after he chuckled, he said, 'Don't worry, you'll be able to do it before long,'" said Levine.

Eventually, she said, she was able to keep his baton in view and follow along, which made her feel a valid part of the group.

"Don will always hold a special place in my memory as the conductor who turned me into a member of the band," she said.

Steve Leichtman, a clarinetist, was part of the LBB from the beginning, and is still part of it today (although he took a 30-year hiatus when he started his family). Gillespie was also his teacher at LHS, and Leichtman helped recruit alumni to perform at the Oct. 10 concert.

He said Gillespie had a significant, positive impact on his late teenage years, and getting involved with the memorial concert was one small way of acknowledging Gillespie's impact on him and thousands of others.

"When I think of my time with the band, it wasn't just about playing at the football games or playing the concerts," said Leichtman. "It was really a feeling of community – a team, a family that he helped to build."

Gillespie's wife, Mary, said she is delighted about this phenomenal tribute to Don.

Their granddaughter, Abigail Gordon, who lives in Paris is traveling into town for the concert, as is Gillespie's son, Richard Gillespie of Virginia, his daughter, Jayne Gordon of Concord and other relatives from Kentucky and California.

Admission to the concert is free, and a reception will follow in the LHS gymnasium. There will be a rehearsal on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. in the LHS auditorium, and alumni of the LHS band and LBB bands are welcome to attend.

Donations in memory of Don Gillespie may be made to the Lexington Bicentennial Band, Box 173, Lexington, 02420.

Gillespie's accomplishments

• Chairman of the Lexington Public Schools music Department 1946 to 1996
• Founded the Lexington Bicentennial Band in 1974 in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Battle on the Green (April 19, 1775)
• Directed the Lexington Bicentennial Band from 1975 to 1996
• The LHS auditorium was dedicated in his name in 1996
• Awarded the White Tricorne Hat in 1978, presented to an outstanding resident by the Lexington Lions Club every Patriots Day
• Named honorary life member of the Lexington Minutemen in 1983
• The Don Gillespie award for the outstanding junior band student was established in 1983 and is still awarded every year to the student who demonstrates service to the school, the music department and outstanding music ability. The award recipient is given a brass music stand to use for the year.