PROGRAM DESIGNER

Byron K. Valentine is a native of Greenville, South Carolina, who studied education and design before relocating to Dayton, Ohio, where he now serves as Lead Stretch Wear Designer for Fred J. Miller, Inc. (FJM), a national supplier of marching band and colorguard uniforms and costumes.

With more than 30 years of experience in the pageantry arts, Byron specializes in costume design, program design, and visual development for marching band and winter guard. His work is especially recognized for its focus on the human condition, creating productions that are thoughtful, emotionally meaningful, and unapologetically theatrical.

His design and choreography credits include Centerville HS, Bellbrook HS, Miamisburg HS, Foster HS, Germantown HS, Bluecoats, Colts, Carolina Crown, Allegoria Winter Guard, Homage Winter Guard, Artistry in Blue, Juxtaposition Winter Guard, and Lexis Winter Guard, among many others. He has also served as a guest clinician and performance coach for the United States Twirling Association, mentoring members of the U.S. National Team in preparation for their Olympic performance in Paris, France.

As Executive Director and Artistic Director of Zydeco Colorguard, Byron helped guide the ensemble to multiple WGI World Championship finals, two World Championship medals, and a World Class Fan Favorite Award. 

Now entering his tenth season as Artistic Director of Étude Winter Guard, Byron also serves as Artistic Director for the Dobyns-Bennett High School and Mason High School Winter Guard programs. He previously taught in the FJM Summer Clinic Program, including five years as Colorguard Coordinator, and was recently a featured presenter at the Bands of America Color Guard Instructor Academy. In addition, Byron is an accomplished equipment, movement, and general effect adjudicator for regional and national circuits.

His performing experience includes Infiniti Winterguard (SC), Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, Crown Guard, and the Pride of Cincinnati. Outside the pageantry arts, Byron enjoys home renovation projects, spending time with fellow artists and friends, and has never met a dog he didn't want to befriend.