Modern Marching Band Composers You Should Know

The evolution of modern marching band composition reflects a dynamic blend of artistry, education, and innovation. The art form has continuously evolved from its military heritage and the iconic music of the March King, John Philip Sousa, to today’s multifaceted arrangements. Today’s composers bring diverse backgrounds, from drum corps excellence to theatrical performance, scientific precision, and jazz influence. They craft arrangements that serve educational objectives and competitive aspirations while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the marching field.
 
These arrangers understand the delicate balance between sophisticated writing and practical performance considerations. Many maintain active teaching careers, from high school band directors to drum corps designers, ensuring their work remains grounded in educational value. Their compositions grace venues from local contests to BOA competitions to DCI finals, demonstrating versatility across all skill levels and performance contexts.
 
Whether incorporating electronic elements, developing innovative brass techniques, or reimagining traditional structures, these composers continue evolving the marching arts’ artistic possibilities: their collective impact shapes individual performances and the future direction of the activity itself.
 

Marching Band Composers and Arrangers You Should Know

 
Below are some of the best current-day marching band composers and arrangers shaping today’s competitive marching arts landscape. These writers represent diverse styles and approaches, from innovative electronics integration to sophisticated brass orchestration. Each brings unique strengths and perspectives to the activity, whether through their drum corps experience, educational background, or theatrical influences. If you’re a band director, these are the marching band composers you should know for their demonstrated ability to create engaging, educational, and competitively successful productions:
 

Joshua V. Hinkel | Educational Versatility

Joshua V. Hinkel is a marching band composer known for creating music from prestigious concert halls to competitive marching venues, informed by his extensive educational background. His music resonates through the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts halls and Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. At the same time, his marching arrangements have reached across DCI, WGI, and BOA programs. Currently serving as Orchestra Director at Aynor High School (SC), he combines his roles as educator and composer through his published works with C. Alan Publications and Alfred Publishing. His experience arranging for multiple drum corps, including the Cascades and Coastal Surge, demonstrates his commitment to advancing music education through diverse performance mediums.
 
Browse the Joshua V. Hinkel Collection of Marching Band Music
 

Marty McCartt | Fresh Innovation

Marty McCartt is a marching band composer known for creating cutting-edge arrangements seamlessly integrating musical and visual elements. His innovative approach has shaped programs for prestigious drum corps, including Boston Crusaders and Carolina Crown. His work with nationally recognized programs like Tarpon Springs High School Outdoor Performance Ensemble and the two-time WGI World Champion Fort Mill School Percussion Ensemble demonstrates his expertise in comprehensive program design. When not composing, McCartt applies his artistic sensibilities as a certified sommelier, bringing the same attention to detail to wine as he does to his musical arrangements.
 
Browse the Marty McCartt Collection of Marching Band Music
 

William Pitts | Championship Caliber

William Pitts is a marching band composer known for creating arrangements that achieve success at the highest levels of the activity, informed by his experience as both performer and champion. His tenure as brass arranger for Phantom Regiment culminated in their 2008 DCI World Championship, building on his earlier role as their conductor and Jim Jones Leadership Award finalist. His arrangements have led to multiple state championships and BOA achievements. At the same time, prestigious ensembles, including the Boston Pops and the University of North Texas, have commissioned his concert works. Currently teaching at Westminster Schools (GA), Pitts combines his educational role with active design work for groups nationwide, drawing from his unique perspective as a DCI champion and accomplished concert music composer.
 
Browse the William Pitts Collection of Marching Band Music
 

Lewis Norfleet | Comprehensive Design

Lewis Norfleet is a marching band composer known for creating works that succeed at the highest levels of both American and international competition. His Santa Clara Vanguard background shapes music that elevates DCI World Class finalists, BOA Grand National finalists, and Japan Marching Band gold medalists. Currently serving as band director at Grants Pass High School (OR), his 28-year educational career includes successful tenures at both high school and collegiate levels. His works, published through companies including Tapspace and Matrix Publishing, demonstrate his versatility across marching band, concert band, and jazz ensemble genres. His active role as a designer and clinician spans the United States and Japan. At the same time, his ensembles have performed at prestigious venues, including the Midwest Clinic and Music for All National Concert Band Festival.
 
Browse the Lewis Norfleet Collection of Marching Band Music
 

Leslie Gilreath | Sophisticated Orchestration

Leslie Gilreath is a marching band composer known for sophisticated orchestration, balancing educational and artistic excellence in his writing. Currently serving as Director of Bands at Summerville High School (SC) and President of the South Carolina Band Directors Association, he shapes the activity through leadership and composition. His work as an arranger for the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps demonstrates his expertise in contemporary marching arts, while his concert band compositions, published through C. Alan Publications showcases his versatility. In 2019, he was a John Philip Sousa Foundation “Legion of Honor” Recipient.
 
Browse the Leslie Gilreath Collection of Marching Band Music
 

Jay Bocook | Drum and Bugle Corps Icon, Accomplished Composer

Jay Bocook is a marching band composer-arranger known for crafting arrangements that elevate the art form to international prominence. As a principal composer for Hal Leonard Corporation with over 600 published works, his arrangements have been featured in four Olympic Games and performed by ensembles from high school bands to the U.S. Marine Band. His legendary work as an arranger for The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, spanning multiple decades, helped earn him induction into the DCI Hall of Fame and the American Bandmasters Association.
 
Browse the Jay Bocook Collection of Marching Band Music
 

Brad Pearson | Educational Artistry

Brad Pearson is a marching band composer known for crafting custom arrangements that maximize each ensemble’s unique potential, drawing from nearly five decades of experience since 1974. His collaborative approach focuses on creating balanced scores that are both educationally rewarding and visually complementary. As a music educator with advanced studies in composition and theory from the University of Mississippi, he specializes in writing shows that engage audiences while remaining accessible and meaningful for student performers. His philosophy of team-based design and attention to visual integration has resulted in hundreds of successful productions for bands of all sizes and skill levels.
 
Browse the Brad Pearson Collection of Marching Band Music
 

Aaron Railey | Multi-Genre Versatility

Aaron Railey is a marching band composer known for bringing versatile musical influences spanning concert percussion, steel drums, and digital production to his arrangements. As the resident percussion and audio designer for Marching BandWorks, his designs have impacted state championships, BOA regionals, and WGI nationals. His published works through C-Alan Publications and Hal Leonard demonstrate his range from marching arts to concert percussion and steel band repertoire, with several pieces earning spots on the Texas UIL list. His background as a performer with Carolina Crown and Spirit of Atlanta and his experience as a music educator and digital composer shapes his comprehensive approach to percussion writing. Currently serving as Production Manager for Lexington County School District One’s Performing Arts Center, he continues influencing live and digital musical realms.
 
Browse the Aaron Railey Collection of Percussion Arrangements and Compositions
 

James Boyce | Educational Impact

James Boyce is a marching band composer known for creating arrangements that bridge educational excellence with competitive success, drawing from his extensive experience in public education and the indoor percussion arena. His impact on WGI includes founding and directing the Bronze Medal-winning Independent A ensemble Craven. At the same time, his leadership with programs like Havelock High School and Northern Nash High School produced consistent excellence in indoor and outdoor seasons. His service on the WGI Percussion Advisory Board and NC Bandmaster’s State Marching Band Committee demonstrates his commitment to advancing the activity. Currently serving as an assistant principal at Jordan High School (NC), he continues influencing music education through his compositions while maintaining his dedication to student development.
 
Browse the James Boyce Collection of Percussion Music
 

Dr. Matthew Lemieux | Scientific Precision

Dr. Matthew “Fat Matt” Lemieux is a percussion composer known for bringing scientific precision to his marching percussion arrangements, informed by his unique background as a research scientist and marching arts performer. His journey from playing baritone and snare drum in high school to serving as NC State’s drumline captain demonstrates his comprehensive understanding of marching programs. His experience includes instructing at Athens Drive High School and Weber State Indoor Percussion. At the same time, his work with winter drumlines and WGI groups shaped his technical approach to percussion writing. Currently working in the silicone industry, he combines his analytical mindset as a Chemical Engineering Ph.D. with his passion for marching percussion education.
 
Browse the Matthew Lemieux Collection of Drumline Music
 

Notable Voices in Contemporary Marching Band

 
The marching arts community benefits from many outstanding composers who continue to shape the activity. While not affiliated with Marching Monk, these arrangers have made significant contributions to contemporary marching bands through their innovative work with drum corps, collegiate programs, and competitive high school bands:
 

Michael Klesch | Championship Caliber Design

Michael Klesch is a marching band composer known for crafting championship-winning arrangements across multiple activity levels. His role as Musical Director and Brass Arranger for Carolina Crown led to their 2013 DCI World Championship, building on his earlier success with The Cadets, where he contributed to four world championships. Currently writing for prestigious college programs, including the University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band, and arranging for international champions like the Calgary Stampede Show Band, his influence spans from BOA to WAMSB. His journey from DCI champion performer to 2012 Hall of Fame inductee reflects a lifetime dedicated to excellence in the marching arts, while his arrangements for the BOA Honor Band at multiple Tournament of Roses Parades showcase his ability to create memorable performances on the world stage.
 

Douglas Thrower | Innovative Brass Architect

Douglas Thrower is a marching band composer known for his innovative brass writing that has shaped the Bluecoats’ signature sound for over two decades since 1997. His induction into the DCI Hall of Fame recognizes his transformative impact on the activity. As a Canadian arranger and professional trumpeter, he brings jazz influences from his McGill University and Humber College studies to his diverse portfolio. His experience spans championship drum corps, including The Troopers and the 1986 Class A World Champion Canadian Knights. Beyond marching arts, he creates arrangements for jazz, symphonic, and theater ensembles, demonstrating his versatility across multiple musical genres. His recorded performances for the CBC showcase his continued dedication to performance alongside his compositional work.
 

Drew Shanefield | Educational Excellence

Drew Shanefield is a marching band composer known for combining educational expertise with elite-level drum corps writing. His impressive tenure as a brass arranger spans multiple world-class corps, including Crossmen, The Cadets, Cavaliers, Bluecoats, and Carolina Crown, showcasing his versatility in the marching arts. Currently serving as an instrumental music teacher in Haverford Township (PA), he balances his educational role with active composition work published by Neil A. Kjos Music and others. His academic achievements inform his work as a Yamaha artist and BOA/Music for All clinician, bridging the gap between educational and competitive excellence.
 

Vince Oliver | Electro-Acoustic Innovation

Vince Oliver is a marching band composer known for pioneering the integration of electronic elements with traditional band instrumentation. Currently serving as the brass arranger for the Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, his expertise spans from concert halls to the marching field. His compositions, including “Press” and “Press Play,” have been premiered at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Midwest Clinic. As a performer, he toured with the Tony Award-winning “Blast!” as a featured percussion soloist, later serving as music director for “Blast! The Music of Disney” in Japan. His five-year tenure as a music designer for the Bluecoats and his status as an Innovative Percussion artist demonstrates his continued influence in contemporary composition and marching arts.
 

Evan VanDoren | Contemporary Brass Innovation

Evan VanDoren is a marching band composer known for creating engaging and innovative arrangements that resonate across all skill levels. As the brass composer and arranger for Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, his work demonstrates contemporary drum corps writing mastery. His compositions grace the stages of prestigious venues, including the Texas Music Educator’s Association Convention and Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Drawing from his experience as an award-winning band director at Cedar Park High School, VanDoren remains actively involved in music education through clinics for DCI, MENC, and Music for All while serving as an adjudicator for Bands of America.
 

Aaron Guidry | Theatrical Innovation

Aaron Guidry is a marching band composer known for bringing a theatrical influence to the marching arts, shaped by his extensive experience with Cirque du Soleil’s “Mystère,” “Zarkana,” and “PARAMOUR.” His arrangements for championship-winning high school programs demonstrate his ability to translate theatrical excellence to the field. His unique background includes performing as a percussionist and snare drum soloist with “Blast!” and appearances on major television shows, including “The Tonight Show” and “The Latin Grammy Awards.” Currently serving as Musical Director for Cirque’s “Mystère” and Drumline Coach at “Michael Jackson One,” he brings theatrical flair to his marching band compositions. His award-winning compositional style demonstrates his versatility across multiple performance mediums.

 

The Design Process: From Concept to Performance

 
Many wonder how marching band shows evolve from initial concept to field performance. Today’s composer arrangers engage in a collaborative process spanning several months. The design process typically starts with thematic discussions between the director and design team. Composers then craft musical selections that balance artistic goals with student abilities. Whether writing music for developing bands or championship contenders, accomplished composers consider instrumentation, skill level, and performance context. This attention to detail in music composition ensures shows that serve both educational and competitive goals.

 

Beyond the Field: Our Composers’ Diverse Musical Impact

 
While primarily known for their marching band works, many of our composers actively contribute to other musical realms. Their original works span from string quartets to musical theatre, demonstrating versatility beyond the marching arts. Many band students’ concert folders are filled with sheet music from these multi-faceted composers, who hold teaching experience at prestigious institutions, compose for TV series, and create compelling original works for concert bands. This breadth of experience enriches their approach to show design, bringing fresh perspectives to the marching field.

 

From Student Musicians to Professional Composers: Career Pathways

 
Many accomplished composers began as student musicians – playing piano, trombonist sections, or other instruments in school ensembles. Their life experiences in dance, string quartet performances, and other musical groups shape their current work. This diverse background helps them write music that challenges and inspires students across the country.

 

Marching Band Composers: Shaping the Future of the Activity

 

The composers and arrangers featured in this article represent the pinnacle of contemporary marching band writing. Yet, they are just a selection of the talented professionals advancing the activity today. Their diverse backgrounds – from DCI champions to innovative educators, from theatrical performers to published composers – demonstrate that there are many paths to success in this field. What unites them is their commitment to balancing artistic excellence with educational value, their ability to adapt to evolving trends while maintaining core musical principles, and their dedication to serving bands at all competitive levels.

 

As the marching arts continue to evolve, these composers push the boundaries of what’s possible while remaining grounded in the fundamental goal of creating meaningful experiences for student performers. Their work enriches individual programs and raises the entire activity’s standard. Whether writing for a developing program or a national championship contender, these accomplished composers understand that at its heart, marching band is about education through artistic excellence.

 

For band directors seeking to elevate their programs, these composers offer more than just arrangements – they offer partnerships in creating impactful educational and artistic experiences for the next generation of musicians.

 

With such a wide array of today’s top marching band composers, we help overwhelmed band directors find the right show for their marching season. Contact us for a consultation to get help selecting your show or shop our online catalog.

 

FAQs About Marching Band Composers

 
Selecting and working with a marching band composer is a significant decision for any program. Whether you’re new to commissioning arrangements or looking to enhance your current process, these frequently asked questions address common concerns and considerations about working with today’s marching band composers:

 

What’s the difference between an arranger and a composer in the marching band world?

While these roles often overlap, arrangers adapt existing music for marching band performances, while composers create original music. Many professionals do both – writing original compositions and creating popular or classical music arrangements. Most of today’s top writers are skilled in both areas, allowing them to serve their clients’ diverse needs.
 

What makes a contemporary marching band composer successful?

Today’s successful composers typically demonstrate:

• Understanding of modern trends in both music and visual design
• Ability to write for all skill levels, from developing programs to world-class ensembles
• Experience in drum corps and competitive marching band
• Strong command of technology and music notation software
• Collaborative skills to work with design teams and directors
• Understanding of educational principles and student development

 

How do composers typically work with marching bands?

Contemporary composers begin by discussing the show concept, theme, and educational/competitive goals with the band director and design team. When crafting arrangements, they consider factors like the band’s instrumentation, skill level, and competitive division. Throughout the season, they often provide audio files and video consultations and may visit for in-person clinics. Many composers also offer mid-season adjustments based on the ensemble’s development and competitive feedback.
 

What role does technology play in modern marching band composition?

Today’s composers utilize advanced music notation software, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and virtual instrument libraries to create detailed scores and realistic demos. Technology allows them to provide directors with high-quality audio files for learning purposes, make rapid adjustments, and collaborate remotely with design teams nationwide.
 

How has marching band composition evolved in recent years?

Contemporary marching band composition has embraced more diverse musical styles, sophisticated electronic integration, and complex sound design. Composers now write for hybrid ensembles that may include synthesizers, audio samples, and electronic effects alongside traditional marching instruments. They must balance artistic innovation with educational value and competitive success.
 

What should band directors consider when selecting a composer?

Directors should consider the composer’s:

• Writing style and how it aligns with their program’s strengths
• Experience with ensembles of similar size and skill level
• Track record of educational and competitive success
• Ability to meet deadlines and communicate effectively
• Willingness to adapt arrangements based on the ensemble’s needs
• Understanding of current trends in the activity

 

Should I hire a recent graduate or inexperienced writer for my percussion arrangements?

While supporting young arrangers is admirable, percussion writing requires significant expertise and experience. A poorly crafted percussion arrangement can derail even the strongest wind arrangements, affecting musical clarity and competitive success. Professional percussion arrangers understand the following:

• How to support rather than compete with wind orchestration
• Appropriate difficulty levels for different skill levels
• Integration of front ensemble with battery
• Equipment and logistical considerations
• The balance between musicality and visual demands
• Sound projection across outdoor venues

Consider offering mentorship opportunities for aspiring arrangers, but maintain professional arrangements for your competitive program. Many successful composers started by writing smaller segments (like drum cadences or warmups) before advancing to full show arrangements.

 

What is Marching Monk?

Marching Monk helps busy and overwhelmed band directors easily lead successful marching seasons by providing each component of your show in one place.

 

Start with a consultation to get help choosing your show, or browse all of our marching band shows here. You can sort by Mood, Difficulty Level, and more.