Craig Byers,
Director of Bands

Craig Byers has served as Director of Bands at Lakeshore High School in Mandeville, Louisiana, since June 2017. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2007, where he developed a passion for the marching arts, visual design, and music education.

Prior to joining Lakeshore High School, Mr. Byers served as Assistant Director of Bands at Central Lafourche High School (2013–2017), Assistant Director of Bands at Fontainebleau High School (2009–2013), and taught elementary general music in the Tangipahoa Parish School System (2008–2009). He has worked with numerous band programs throughout the South and has adjudicated marching and indoor competitions in the Visual and General Effect captions. Mr. Byers was also honored to serve as guest conductor of the Fontainebleau High School Jazz Ensemble I at the 2010 Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Under his direction, the Central Lafourche Indoor Winds program earned the Winter Guard International Scholastic A Silver Medal in 2015 and the Open Class World Championship in 2017.

Since arriving at Lakeshore High School, the Titan Band has experienced continued growth and success. The program has represented Louisiana in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. in 2018 and 2023, earned the 2022 Indoor Winds Scholastic A Championship, and was named Reserve Grand Champion at the Louisiana State Marching Championships in both 2024 and 2025.

Mr. Byers currently serves as Contest Director for the Magnolia Performing Arts Association (formerly the Louisiana-Mississippi Color Guard and Percussion Circuit), where he oversees competitive events and educational initiatives across Louisiana and Mississippi. He also serves as Public Relations Chair for the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) and is an Account Executive for American Band Accessories, partnering with music programs nationwide to provide uniforms, flags, props, and performance solutions.

A sought-after drill designer and visual consultant, Mr. Byers is the owner of Distinguished Drill & Designs, LLC, where he works with marching bands throughout the Southeast. He is an active member of the Louisiana Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the Percussive Arts Society.

His professional affiliations include the Louisiana Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the Percussive Arts Society. He is also a proud endorser of Mapex and Majestic Percussion. Craig Byers currently serves as the Executive Director of the Louisiana-Mississippi Color Guard and Percussion Circuit, a non-profit organization that promotes the marching arts and provides performance opportunities through winter guard, indoor percussion, and winds. He is also the owner and drill designer of Distinguished Drill and Designs, LLC.