Over the past several months, the University and surrounding areas have undergone various changes — and The Golden Band from Tigerland was no exception.
Since former Tiger Band director Roy King’s firing in April, Dennis Llinas has served as the band’s interim director. Before the change, Llinas served as assistant director of the band.
Overall, the transition between band directors has been smooth.
Though the band has been running under a new director, drum major Daniel Wendt said he doesn’t think the overall dynamic has changed.
“We’ve had a lot of different directors over the years, but we are the same Tiger Band — just with new things being added,” Wendt said.
As the University’s interim Director of Bands, Llinas boasts an extensive background in music, ranging from composition to show design. After working as a band director for two high schools from 2003 until 2008, Llinas joined the University staff, where he has conducted for LSU Symphonic Winds, taught undergraduate courses and directed the LSU Bengal Brass Basketball band, according to his bio on the School of Music website.
Despite King’s abrupt departure, Wendt said the band respects Llinas and enjoys him as interim director. He said he believes Llinas is a great director, fostering positive relationships with band members.
While traditions have always been a core feature of Tiger Band, trombone section leader Christopher Stephens said Llinas helps the band improve beyond its old-fashioned ways.
“This year, the staff has challenged us with more difficult drill and music than we were used to, but the response from the students has been fantastic,” Stephens said.
Stephens said that, overall, the band’s rehearsals are focused with the motivation to push themselves further to give the best performances.
Because Llinas was a familiar face to the band, clarinet section leader Gabrielle Gilbert said it helped members accept him as their new leader.
“[Llinas] really makes you feel like you’re heard,” Gilbert said. “You feel like an individual and not just a part of a huge organization.”
Mimi Webb, one of the Mellophone section leaders, said she views Llinas as a mentor.
“The students all have a great time in the band under his direction,” Webb said.
Though she acknowledges a slight difference in leadership style, Webb said she believes the band is still the same Tiger Band that supports the University.
Trombone section leader Ryan Williams said he has a close relationship with Llinas, who is also one of his professors. As a director, Williams said Llinas stands for all the traditions that the directors before him have.
“He has such a good connection with the students and knows everyone’s name,” he said.

Gallery • 10 Photos

Haskell Whittington

LSU biological sciences senior Gabrielle Gilbert plays clarinet in the Golden Band from Tigerland on Wednesday Sept. 28, 2016, at Tiger Band Hall on LSU Campus.