This summer marks the 150th consecutive year of performances for the DeKalb Municipal Band. And for more than half a century, it has been led by one man: Dee Palmer.

Palmer graduated from NIU with a music degree in 1943, and soon took over the band five years later. His grandfather was the conductor of the band in the 1880s and his father was the band’s manager.

Although his sons played music growing up, they aren’t planning on following the family’s tradition. Palmer joked that they have “moved on to more lucrative careers.”

“As long as I feel good, I haven’t set any goals in terms of retiring,” Palmer said.

Music was always something cherished in Palmer’s home growing up. His mother taught music at the university when it first opened its doors, and both his father and brother were professional musicians.

On June 10, when acknowledged for his 56 years of service to the city of DeKalb and its Municipal Band, Palmer waved from the center of the band shell in Hopkins Park that was built in his honor. He bowed to the crowd that filled the seats and spilled into the sticky grass.

John Armstrong, who has played in the band for 25 years, said what makes Palmer such a great director is that he is so easy to work with.

“He’s got such a great relationship with the band members, and relates to them as players,” he said.

But he isn’t all fun and games, said Deb Shofner, a tuba player in her 23rd year under Palmer’s direction.

“He knows the music and he knows what he wants,” she said. “To get in the band you have to be a really good musician, usually you’re recommended by someone to get in.”

Palmer echoes this idea himself when asked about his greatest musical challenge.

“To try and do a better concert every time you go to work,” he said.

As the sun begins to set behind the Dee Palmer Band Shell, he raises his hands to start the concert. The silhouette of his slender arm fades into his baton as he conducts the opening song, “She’s a Grand Old Flag.”