Leslie Gilreath is Director of Bands at Summerville High School in Summerville, SC. A native of Anderson, SC, he is a 1990 graduate of Furman University where he studied conducting and orchestration with Jay Bocook. Following graduation from Furman, he continued studies in composition at the University of Oklahoma, with Michael Hennagin and Carolyn Bremer. His compositions have been performed globally and most notably at the prestigious Midwest Clinic.

In 2018, his “Only Light, Only Love” was performed at the Midwest Clinic by the Cobb Wind Symphony, Alfred Watkins, conductor, and “In My Perfect Place” was performed by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wind Symphony, Alex Kaminski, conductor. In December, the Wando High School Symphonic Band, Bobby Lambert and Lanie Radecke, conductors, will premier his “From Whence They Came” at the 2019 Midwest Clinic. Leslie is a recipient of Citations of Excellence as well as Certificates of Merit for Marching Excellence from the National Band Association and was the Phi Beta Mu, Theta Chapter’s Outstanding Bandsman of 2019.

He is a Summerville High School Teacher of the Year and a Dorchester District Two Honor Teacher of the Year, and he currently serves as Chair of the Marching Committee of the South Carolina Band Directors Association. His compositions are available from C. Alan Publications and on lesliegilreath.com.

“I look forward to working closely with my mentor, teacher, and dear friend, Jay Bocook, in continuing the Blue Knights’ dedication to musical excellence and contributing to their fresh, forward-thinking perspective. I am beyond excited to be a part of the organization!”