A member of the Lafayette Concert Band since its inception in 1982, Gerald Guilbeaux has been the Conductor/Music Director of the band since 1993. He is also the founder and conductor of the Acadian Wind Symphony, a select 50 piece wind ensemble which performs during the summer months and at special events. Under his direction, the Lafayette Concert Band became the 1999 recipient of the Sudler Silver Scroll, an international award recognizing excellence in adult community bands, administered by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.

He holds the Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Louisiana and studied conducting with Professor John Gilfry. He served in the United States Army as a bandsman and Drum Major with the Seventh Division Band in Korea and the 76th Army Band in Germany.

Mr. Guilbeaux is former Director of Bands at Fatima High School, Franklin Senior High School and Carencro High School. Upon leaving the field of music education he entered the business community and is currently owner and President of Gerald Guilbeaux Insurance Agency, Inc. affiliated with State Farm Insurance Companies.

Mr. Guilbeaux is Past President of the Association of Concert Bands (The International Voice of Community Bands) and serves as the Community Band Chair for the National Band Association. He has twice been awarded the Citation of Excellence by the National Band Association and the Diploma of the Sudler Order of Merit by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. Mr. Guilbeaux is an active guest conductor, and adjudicator and serves on the Selection Committee for the Sudler Silver Scroll. Most recently, he was recognized by the Louisiana chapter of Phi Beta Mu, the International Bandmaster’s Fraternity, as the Outstanding Contributor of the Year.

He is a member of the Louisiana Music Educators Association and the Southwest Louisiana Band Directors Association, has served on the Board of Directors of the Lafayette Kiwanis Club and was named 2001 Kiwanian of the Year. He was a member the Board of Governors of the UL Alumni Association, past president of Delta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Honorary Music Fraternity and former president of the University of Louisiana Alumni Band. He and his wife Beth make their home in Lafayette and are the proud parents of three daughters, Amy, Lynn and Chrissy. Granddaughters Carly and Cameryn also add joy to their family lives.