The Briar Woods High School Band began in the fall of 2005 and immediately became one of the most respected and award-winning bands in Virginia. They have been a consistent Virginia Honor Band and Blue-Ribbon Fine Arts Program. “The Falcon Regiment Marching Band, Falconaires Colorguard and Falcon Drumline have performed across the United States in a variety of competitions. The BWHS Band is known for having an exciting & exceptionally well rounded program with 3 concert bands and 2 jazz bands that are consistently rated superior in competitions. 

In March, the BWHS band will be returning to Carnegie Hall.  In the past, the Briar Woods Band has performed in prestigious music events in Chicago, IL, Boston, MA, Atlanta, GA, Pigeon Forge, TN, Williamsburg, VA and has also performed twice in the Camping World Bowl Game in Orlando, FL. In December of 2016, they performed in Hawaii at the 75th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony at Pearl Harbor. 

The Briar Woods Marching Band is directed by Mr. Duane Minnick.  Mr. Minnick graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Music and continued his postgraduate study at the University of North Texas. Mr. Minnick has been a band director for 36 years and the Director of Bands & Fine Arts Chair at Briar Woods since the school opened in 2005.  He strives to teach his students that “the quest for excellence never ends.”  Duane was also the founding director at Colleyville Heritage High School in Texas, and in 2003 performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. He formerly was an active performer and instructor with The Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle. It would be a mistake not to see our spectacular marching band perform, so whenever you have the time, be sure to come out and support the hard working musicians.