Until this year, I have written my own drill. This year, I used Fred Meyer of Gulf Coast Drill Design. Making this switch was the best decision I have ever made! Fred was patient and courteous with a first time customer. He took the time to find out the strengths and weaknesses of my group, both playing and marching. He tailored the show to hide the weaknesses and emphasize the strengths of this group. His writing fit my band perfectly! Fred delivered the product quickly and within the time frame that we discussed. His service, his product, and his prices are all well structured and tailored to fit your group. I cannot recommend strongly enough that you contract with your group. His drill is written in a manner that makes your band look great!

Gulf Coast Drill Design - Ganado High School Band - 2013 Caribbean Dreams STATE PERFORMANCE
Patrick FlanikenDirector of Bands, Ganado High School, Ganado, Texas

I have written my own drill for several years and I was in no mood to write my drill this year. Mr. Meyer had helped me in the past with drill and was a great mentor. Instead of going through the hassle again, I asked Mr. Meyer at the last second to write my drill. I was more than impressed with the final professional product! He emailed me all the files, but then supplied me with a CD and a minder with all the information contained. Everything was professionally done and it all looks very top notch and easy to read. For me though as a customer, it depends on what happens afterward. On his own accord, he checked in on me several times to make sure the drill was ok and if anything had to be redone. He checked on our band until the day of contest and gave great comments about what he saw to improve on later performances. Mr. Meyer works very hard to make sure that you are successful and he writes a drill to your specifications. I would give a word of advice to everyone, just let him do the work and you will be more than happy with it. He knows what he is doing.

Gulf Coast Drill Design - Brazos High School Band - 2015 Jekyll and Hyde
Rolando CantuDirector of Bands, Brazos High School, Wallis, Texas

Mr. Meyer is a talented drill writer who is a huge reason our band made it to the State Marching Contest last year. Since using Gulf Coast Drill Design, our negative marching critiques have diminished and our ratings have increased. His drill is fluid, logical, and caters to our group on many levels. Thank you Mr. Meyer!! It been our pleasure to work with you.

Gulf Coast Drill Design - Edna High School Band - 2015 Heart
Joshua PartidaDirector of Bands, Edna High School, Edna, Texas

I am a retired band director who is still very involved in serving as a clinician and mentor to several marching bands. Many of the bands I work with have and will continue to use Fred Meyer to write the marching drill for their contest shows. During the course of the drill, Fred has the ability to visualize movement placing the feature section exactly in the right position for the best possible effect. He can also adapt the level of difficulty of the drill to suit the needs of the group. Many of the groups I work with find that sometimes adjustments need to be made to the drill in order to better accommodate the ability level of the group. Fred has adjusted and “retro-fitted” drill if, for instance, the level of difficulty of the music is dictating and easier level of marching than anticipated. In other words adjusting the drill so that the students can more readily handle both the marching and playing. Fred has always made sure that the drill is readily available and in the director’s hands BEFORE summer band begins. Many bands have been very successful using his marching drill shows. I fully recommend Fred Meyer as a marching drill show designer.

Mike CuddRetired Band Director, West Columbia, Texas

Mr. Meyer has been very easy to work with over the past years. Fred works hard to pair our show concept and musical selections. The great drill work has resulted in positive comments from our judges at the various festivals, regional, and area contests we’ve attended. Mr. Meyer has been very accommodating with changes that have occurred throughout the marching season. I’d highly recommend the services of Mr. Meyer for all band sizes and skill levels.

Lance FinleyAssistant Director of Bands / Percussion Coordinator, Needville ISD, Needville, Texas

I have known Fred Meyer for several years and have seen his work in drill design. He is excellent to work with. He is sensitive to the needs and skill level of the band. I was very pleased to have him design the drill for my band as it was a great “fit” for the size and skill level of the group. The drill was challenging and provided a positive experience for the students. I could not have been more pleased!

Alan EdgeDirector of Bands, Boling High School, Boling, Texas

The high school bands that I work with who use Fred Meyer’s marching drills are very pleased with the design and how easily the formations can be adapted to fit the size of the group. Changes can be altered when numbers change due to enrollment or eligibility issues. Fred can meet the needs of your group from easy to difficult. The strong visual formations move easily from set to set.

Mike HendersonRetired Band Director, Van Vleck, Texas

Fred is an extremely talented visual designer. His staging and visual presentation always make my music come alive in ways I never thought it could. He is truly top-notch and I highly recommend him.

Luke McMillanLuke McMillan Music, Abilene, Texas

I have used Fred for a couple of years to design my drill and it is very teachable, makes sense, and is written to the level that I requested. Fred also delivers on time and doesn’t charge a ridiculous price which helps all of us band directors that teach at small schools. Another thing I can say is that Fred is very quick to communicate and return emails, etc. not only when he is writing your drill, but throughout the fall.

Show Samples - Gulf Coast Drill Design - 2013 Mineola High School Band - A Brave New World
Chris BrannanDirector of Bands, Mineola High School, Mineola, Texas

This is the first year I have used the talents of Fred Meyer. Due to a daughter’s marriage in July, I didn’t want the hassle of drill writing and the headache of a marriage at the same time. I have watched Fred’s work for many years and have always been impressed with his show design. I contacted Fred at the end of April to write drill for Rice Consolidated and within two weeks, I had the finished product. I then accepted the director position at Industrial High School and contacted Fred to write new drill. In the course of 2 1/2 weeks, I made a major change to the show concept and two more changes to the color guard. Each changed was handled professionally and Industrial now has a show that I know will be highly competitive and liked by both the students and audience. If you are looking for a drill writer that takes your concerns and ideas to heard, don’t hesitate to call Fred Meyer. You will get superior service.

Live Examples - Drill Examples - Gulf Coast Drill Design - Industrial High School - 2015 Circle of Stones State Performance
Houston CummingsDirector of Bands, Industrial High School, Vanderbilt, Texas