The Instrumental Music & Dance Program has had twelve directors in its history. North has had a strong band program throughout its history, and has always been among the very best in the Riverside area since it opened in the fall of 1965.

The program had humble beginnings. It opened as a concert and pep band program under Sam Terry's directorship, and was housed in what is now the attendance and discipline offices near the 300 buildings. When George Brooks took over the band in 1968, he started the marching band, which was, in its first year, one of the best in the Inland Empire. North became known for its strong parade band, and the program had steady growth into the 70's with Brooks and Harold Symms at the helm.

In the 70's, the Mitchell brothers, John and Alan, were successful in developing strong concert, jazz, and parade bands, and adding the tall flag and drill team units. John Mitchell was the director for three years, and his bands earned superior ratings in band and orchestra all three years. The John W. North parade band was the first Riverside County band to qualify and march in the All Western Band Review, which was then the largest marching competition in the country. John Mitchell was also able to purchase a new set of uniforms for the marching band, further defining the North style. The program grew from 50+ to 125, and was moved to the newly built band room/little theatre complex (the current building). Mr. Mitchell and the John W. North band program were the creators of the Lester Oaks Band Review that ran for over thirty years, which still survives as an annual field tournament. 

Also through time, North had an orchestra program. Although little is known about the program and its performances, the orchestra was eventually consolidated into a district-wide orchestra magnet program located at Poly HS. The orchestra magnet still exists at Gage Middle School and Poly HS to this day.

In the fall of 1973, John Mitchell was recruited to take over the program at Glendora HS and his brother, Alan, took over the North band program. Alan Mitchell was the director for seven years, continuing the steadily growing program. Alan Mitchell went on to be the Director of Bands at Andrews University in Michigan, where he retired in 2017.

In the fall of 1979, the marching band went through a significant change. Gary Locke became the director, and his approach was a combination of the new drum and bugle corps style and the traditional "show" style that changed the look of North's band. The name chosen to unify the performing groups (band, flags and drill team) was the Blue Star Regiment. In the first season of field competition, the new Blue Star Regiment was the talk of Southern California.  In the coming years, the BSR rose rapidly to become one of the most entertaining units in Southern California. Sheila Locke took over the drill team and color guard, updating the uniforms and style.  During the Locke's tenure, the Blue Star Regiment appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. After five years, Mr. and Mrs. Locke left to become the director at RCC, where they built a world-renown marching band program.

During the tenure of Charles Craig, the BSR attempted a modern show that was a foreshadowing of the modern current BSR. Mr. Craig and his staff created an avant garde show design, complete with asymmetrical drill (new at the time) and an aggressive performance style. He took the BSR to its first Fiesta Bowl appearance.  Despite his success, he accepted another position before the end of the first semester. Dale Leaman stepped in for the second semester, and turned over the program to a new director, Perry Hall, at the end of the year.

The Blue Star Regiment's percussion advisor, Perry Hall, was offered the job as the new director in 1985.  Mr. Hall quickly brought the BSR back to prominence by performing shows that were a "back-to-basics" idea featuring all the groups of the BSR in a well-executed and exciting show. The parade band was just as successful, and is remembered for keeping its composure at the Tournament of Champions performance where a man on a bike rode through the band in competition and waved at the judges. During Mr. Hall's tenure, the BSR won many tournament championships, the concert band received superior ratings and the drill team continued its dominance in Southern California. After four successful years, Mr. Hall was recruited to teach at Fontana HS, and is now retired from teaching.

Mike Hipp, the BSR brass instructor, became the next director, and held the position for three years. The BSRIMA, having adopted a new policy of support and non-interference in the creation of the shows, supported the marching program without reservation during this time. Mr. Hipp's tenure was time that saw an increase in numbers for the program, and the shows became increasingly more modern. The concert programs, however, suffered setbacks because of the lack of support. Later, when the marching band suffered setbacks due to a lack of funding, Mr. Hipp left for the opportunity to open a new school program.

The next director was Mr. Pete Jackson. In his first year, the Wind Symphony was created as the top concert ensemble. During his 12 years at North, the program became focused on creating a well-rounded performer, with a variety of performing groups. The addition of the annual solo & ensemble festival assured that every student was able to perform before a judge. The percussion participated fully in all concert and marching activities as part of a well-rounded percussion program. The drill team traveled to Japan for the second time, and returned with the world championship title. The winter and spring dance drill team squads, under the direction of alumnus Christine Schive, included all members instead of a select few. The Color Guard experienced its greatest success to date with a much larger membership, and won two gold, silver and bronze medals. The BSR's competitive field shows earned earned a top 15 ranking in 1992-97 at the time when rankings were published.

Mr. Jackson left for San Clemente High School in 2004. Under the direction of Mr. Adam Kehl, the program continued the tradition and excellence of the BSR's first 25 years, while always striving to broaden the total musical experience of all it's members. Several additions were made to the program: a percussion studio class, the annual Prism Concert, the athletic bands were re-organized, and the MBP ensemble was created for public performances. Under Mr. Kehl's leadership, the auxiliary, percussion and the Wind Symphony made great strides presenting contemporary show designs and performing modern music. After five years, Mr. Kehl left North to earn a masters degree and work at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Kehl now teaches at Elmhurst University in Illinois.

The program again came under the direction of Mr. Jackson, who returned to North in fall 2009 after working five years at San Clemente HS. From 2009 to his retirement in 2024, Mr. Jackson continued the tradition of excellence that he began in 1992. The marching band saw numerous successes and achievements, notably running one of the most successful marching band tournaments in Southern California, the Blue Star Classic. In addition, the band began to travel again, making trips to Hawaii, Northern California, and China.

The Blue Star Regiment and Instrumental Music program at John W. North High School is now under the direction of alumnus Shawn Schive, who assumed the position in 2024 and is thrilled to continue the legacy of those that came before with some of the finest students in Southern California.