Fred C. Beyer High School - Band

Band

Beyer High School is renowned for its outstanding Marching Band and Color Guard programs. Their rise to excellence started under the instruction of Bill Parks, but the program grew to be nationally recognized under the direction of Gary P. Gilroy. Under Gilroy, the band traveled extensively and won numerous awards and competitions including Bands of America, The Fiesta Bowl and others.

Although a shadow of its former glory (and half the size), the band continues to experience competitive success in local California lower division marching competitions. The band last saw national success in 2001 under the direction of Michael R. DuFour (a former student of Gilroy) when they placed 2nd at The Fiesta Bowl. The band won two parades on St. Patrick's Day 1999 in Ireland, also under the direction of DuFour.

Beyer has maintained both a successful Winter Guard and Winter Drumline. Both groups are multiple WGI medalists.

For various reasons, Beyer has seen many directors come and go since DuFour's departure in 2001, as well as dwindling attendance. But even with the lower numbers, the band has been greatly successful. Hovering around 85 members and in WBA Class AAA, Beyer won the Class A/AA/AAA championships in 2005, 2006, and 2007. The Beyer band also won third place in 2008 and second place in 2009, both close competitions.Beyer Band also won 5th place at the WBA championships in 2012. The band is currently under the direction of Marcos Rivera.