Classical music legend Art Barnes announces retirement

LIVERMORE, Calif. (KGO) -- A living legend in the Bay Area classical music community has announced he is retiring. Art Barnes has conducted the Livermore-Amador Symphony for 50 years.

Barnes told the Contra Costa Times he's written a special piece of music for the occasion.

He drives to Livermore from Palo Alto where he directed the Stanford Marching Band for 34 years and taught music at Stanford.

Barnes was there during the play in the 1982 Stanford/Cal game when the band marched onto the field before the game ended.

His last concert will be on May 17.