While a replacement is being found for Dr. Eric McIntyre, who resigned at the end of the previous season, the Symphony concerts will be led this year by the following guest conductors. For more information about them, please click on their names. Ross Leeper, who previously served as conductor from 1978 to 1985. He then became director of bands at Simpson College in Indianola. He now continues to live in Indianola and is currently the high school band director in Knoxville. Michael Golemo is the Director of Bands and Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre at Iowa State University. In addition to conducting the Wind Ensemble and teaching courses in music education and conducting. Dr Golemo oversees a program of nine bands. Brett Cooper serves as director of Music Ministries for First Presbyterian Church of Fort Dodge where he leads the choir, handbell choir, and praise team. In addition, he is the music director for Comedia Musica Players and is a staff accompanist for St. Edmond High School. Dennis Root is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a major in string education and a Masters degree from the University of Iowa. Mr. Root has conducted the Fort Dodge Area Symphony in the past as a guest conductor. He is currently the conductor of the North Iowa Symphony Orchestra.