Former Clovis music educator returning for band position

Apr. 23—A former Clovis schools music educator is returning as the Clovis High School band director.

Daniel Perez succeeds Bill Allred, who is retiring after more than 20 years leading one of the state's top performing bands.

Perez was choir director for Gattis Middle School in 2015 before transitioning to band director at Yucca Middle School in 2017, according to a Clovis Municipal Schools news release.

In 2018, Perez became director of the CHS Jazz Band and an assistant marching band director at Clovis High School, where he remained until taking a position with Moriarty in 2020, where he has been director of bands.

Perez has a master's degree in music from Washington State University, and is an Eastern New Mexico University alumnus, where he earned a bachelor's degree in music, according to the news release.

Allred announced his retirement earlier this school year.

His Wildcats have been the top-performing New Mexico band at the Zia Marching Band Fiesta 15 times since 2003. The state's band community generally considers Zia the state championship competition since most of the top bands participate in the season's final marching performance.

Allred's bands have won the overall Zia title 13 times, including an active streak of 10 straight.