Guilbeaux receives national band award

At the recent Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, which drew over 18,000 conductors and musicians, the National Band Association presented Gerald Guilbeaux with the prestigious Academy of Wind and Percussion Arts Award (AWAPA). This honor recognizes individuals who have made significant and outstanding contributions to advancing excellence in bands and band music. The nine-inch silver “AWAPA” statuette, regarded as the “Oscar” of the band world, underscores the high esteem in which Guilbeaux is held.

A proud Carencro native and graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s School of Music, Guilbeaux has deep ties to his alma mater. He has served on the UL Alumni Board and currently contributes as a member of the College of the Arts Advisory Council, reflecting his commitment to supporting the university and its mission.

Guilbeaux’s enduring connection to UL Lafayette began during his student years and has flourished throughout his distinguished career. In 1982, he became a founding member of the Lafayette Concert Band, assuming the role of conductor in 1993. Now in his 32nd year as conductor, Guilbeaux has led the 90-member ensemble—composed of individuals from diverse walks of life—to remarkable achievements. Under his direction, the Lafayette Concert Band earned the Sudler Silver Scroll in 1999, an international award recognizing excellence in adult community bands.

Beyond his work with the Lafayette Concert Band, Guilbeaux is the founding conductor of the Acadian Wind Symphony, a select wind ensemble that performs during the summer months, Mardi Gras, and other special events. The Acadian Wind Symphony received the 2021 American Prize for Community Bands, a testament to Guilbeaux’s artistic vision and leadership. The American Prize is a unique national competition that rewards the best recorded performances by individual artists and ensembles in the United States, offering professional recognition and support for artistic excellence.

Guilbeaux’s advocacy for adult community bands has made him a nationally recognized figure in the band world. He is an active guest conductor, the administrator and assistant conductor of the National Community Band—a project of the John Philip Sousa Foundation—and serves as Vice-President and Treasurer of the Foundation’s Executive Board. Additionally, he is a Trustee for Windjammers Unlimited, the circus music historical society, and has organized and conducted numerous performances for the group. His leadership roles extend to serving as Past-President of the National Association of Concert Bands and as Chair of the Associate Member Committee of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association.

Locally, Guilbeaux’s influence is equally significant. He is a life member of the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette and has served on the Festival International Board of Directors. His ongoing contributions to the UL College of the Arts Advisory Council further highlight his dedication to fostering artistic and educational excellence within the university and the broader community.

Gerald Guilbeaux’s remarkable career and unwavering commitment to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette exemplify the values of artistic excellence and community service. His recognition with the AWAPA Award is a fitting tribute to his decades of impact on the world of bands and band music.