Frederick Beyer

1965: Overture for Band

Frederick Beyer (1926–2001) earned a bachelor of arts degree from Harvard University, a master of arts in composition from Columbia University, where he studied with Otto Luening and Jack Beeson, and a doctor of music degree in composition from Florida State University, where he studied with John Boda. Beyer was band and orchestra director at Largo High School in Florida for nine years before becoming professor of music at Greensboro College and music director at the Eastern Music Festival. Beyer wrote two commissions for the Eastern Music Festival and was awarded the North Carolina Music Teachers Composition Commission.

Winner of the 1965 ABA Ostwald Award, Beyer's Overture for Band features syncopated rhythms, varying meters, and a strong lyrical style.