Gerald Guilbeaux
Profession: Conductor, Lafayette Concert Band and the Acadian Wind Symphony
How long have you been a member of AcA? Three years.
What music are you listening to? As a music conductor, I am always listening to new musical works that I might perform for a future concert. For relaxation, I like to listen to jazz.
What has been your favorite vacation or place that you’ve traveled to? Why? Paris, France – The City of Lights. We enjoy the vibe of this great city, steeped in history with AMAZING food. We always feel at home even if we are thousands of miles away from Lafayette, due in part to our shared language and culture.
Do you frequent any Downtown establishments? Which ones and what’s your go-to cocktail or lite bite? Pamplona for the tapas, The Hideaway on Lee for the entertainment, Flats for a burger and fries, Central Pizza for family outings, and Pop’s for the roast beef poboy.
What is an accomplishment that you are most proud of? In my personal life, without a doubt, it would be raising three daughters to be productive, responsible, independent citizens and loving mothers. In my musical life, that distinction is winning the 2021 American Prize in Conducting, a national juried competition.
What do you do in a nutshell? I conduct two adult community ensembles, the Lafayette Concert Band and the Acadian Wind Symphony. Both groups have been recognized nationally and provide their members with opportunities for musical growth and for our local audiences to experience great symphonic wind music in its richest tradition.
What are your favorite aspects of your job and company? The magic of community band: people of all ages sit beside each other, people of all professions sit beside each other, people of all backgrounds sit beside each other, all working TOGETHER to achieve a common goal and a common beauty. There really isn’t anything else like it. Music is for LIFE!
Why did you join AcA, and do you recall your first experience with AcA? My first experience with AcA goes back to the early 1980s when the Lafayette Concert Band applied for and received several grants, which contributed to our continued success.
What has been your favorite performance or event hosted by AcA? Besides two recent concerts by the Acadian Wind Symphony, we enjoyed Los Lobos tremendously.
