Albany Symphony board members have decided to part ways ways with longtime conductor Claire Fox Hillard.

A symphony official says, the board won't be bringing Hillard back next year after Camilla police arrested the conductor in August on loitering and prowling charges.

Symphony director Karen Allen says, Hillard was suspended without pay until the board voted to let him go.

"It's obviously been difficult for the symphony community," Allen says. "However, the community as a whole has been very supportive of the symphony. We are moving forward."

Guest conductor David Hoose will lead the ensemble's Peppermint Pops concert this weekend.

Hillard had been conductor for 24 years, leading the symphony's move to its first pemanent concert hall at Muncipal Auditorium in 1990.

A spokesman at Albany's Darton College says, Hillard is still employed as a music instructor there.

Tags: Camilla, Albany, GPB News, Darton College, Albany Symphony, Claire Fox Hillard, Karen Allen, David Hoose, Peppermint Pops, loitering, prowling, Municipal Auditorium