Conductor/History
has been conductor of both
The Suncoast Concert Band and
The Jazz Ambassadors
Big Band since 1964.
He is also the greeter, host,
and master-of-ceremonies.
The band started in 1933 and was known as "The Sarasota Trailer Park Band." In 1963 the band moved into The Payne Park Auditorium. The city changed the name of the park so the name of the band changed to "Sarasota Mobile Home Park Concert Band." In 1992 the name was changed to
Suncoast Concert Band.
In 1993 the band received
North America's most prestigious award
for a community concert band, the
presented by the
To date, only thirty six elite bands
have received this award.
Sarasota resident Sanford Milter donated the bronze sculpture "The Hands of Leo Laier" to the
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
in memory of his wife Sylvia
who was principal flutist for 18 years.
The sculpture is on permanent display
in the Grand Foyer.
Conductor
"Its a great group. Many players are retired musicians and band directors who have moved here to escape the winters up north. They are amazed at how we improve each year."
Leo Laier
Leo Laier
Leading our band for 45 years !
