Marching Band Shows Designed to Fit Your Band
Custom marching band shows arranged to fit big (and small) band programs, real budgets, and real students.
Choosing a marching band show isn’t just about music.
Evan is one of, if not THE most, skilled and pedagogically sound music arrangers. In addition to the quality of the product, the professional standards by which he conducts his business are second to none. Evan VanDoren is a band director’s greatest asset!
– Rylon Guidry, Director of Bands, Wakeland HS, Frisco, Texas
It’s about your students, your budget, and the kind of experience you want to create for your program this season.
If you’ve ever felt stuck between buying something off the shelf that almost works and commissioning something custom that feels risky or overwhelming, you’re not alone.
Some band programs will always do great by buying music “off the shelf”. For others, a fully-custom production makes sense.
I offer an option that balances quality, fit, time, and cost, and let you decide whether that aligns with your program’s needs.
Get a proven marching band show adapted to your ensemble by someone who understands both arranging and teaching.
As a marching band music and show arranger, I’ve built a large library of marching band shows that were originally commissioned for real programs and successfully performed across the country. These are complete productions with depth, strong pacing, and competitive awareness already built in.
I work with you to adapt that music so it fits your band, not some hypothetical ideal ensemble. Choose a show in its entirety or mix-and-match movements to fit your own custom concept. You have the freedom to build a show that fits your students, your story, and your season.
That means adjusting ranges, orchestration, soloists, features, and demands based on who you actually have in front of you this year.
This is custom marching band show design without starting from scratch — thoughtful, intentional, and grounded in how bands actually rehearse and perform.
Marching Band Show Catalog
Or, browse music by genre
Keep in mind, you can mix-and-match selections to create your own unique show!
I’ve been a band director and know what it feels like to be waiting on music.
When you work with me, you’re working directly with one person — me. There’s no arranging team behind the scenes.
I know the stress of unanswered emails, vague promises, and last-minute surprises. That experience shapes how I work now.
I value clear expectations, realistic timelines, and being responsive when questions come up. If something needs clarification, we talk it through.
You’re talking directly to the person writing the music, who understands both the arranging and the classroom realities.
That perspective is what keeps this process efficient, realistic, and focused on your students.
“Evan was really great to work with! As a new head band director, Evan helped me with some rewrites we wanted for our marching band wind book and truly set our students up for success. His arrangements are great for students of all skill levels. I highly recommend him!”
– Mikaela Pyle, Director of Bands, Lake Dallas HS, Corinth, Texas
“One of the best writers and arrangers for our marching band production in my 30 years of teaching and working with marching bands! On time, great work, always available, and great responses! Would highly recommend for future shows at any level! Absolutely great, great work and professionalism!”
– Porfirio Mendez Jr., Director of Fine Arts, Kingsville ISD, Kingsville, Texas
Client Spotlight
I’m proud to collaborate with incredible marching arts ensembles across the country, each with its own strengths, traditions, and student stories. Here are three ensembles I’ve had the privilege to write for — their dedication and creativity continue to inspire my work.
Santa Clara Vanguard
2025 DCI Bronze Medalist
Cedar Park HS
2024 UIL 5A State Champion
Rouse HS
2024 UIL 5A State Silver Medalist
✓ What is included in each show
- Adaptation of woodwind and brass music to fit your band
- Thoughtful edits based on your instrumentation, needed ranges, and featureable soloists.
- Clean, rehearsal-ready PDF scores and parts
- A personalized audio mockup of your version of the show
- Notation files (Dorico + MusicXML) for rehearsal prep
This process provides custom marching band arrangements built around your students — not generic parts meant to work “well enough” for everyone.
❌ What’s not included in each show
- Percussion arrangements
- Sound design / electronics
- Copyright licensing fees for your selected repertoire
- Creatively driven recomposition or new thematic material
- Writing entirely new music beyond the scope of adaptation
Percussion and sound design can be sourced from collaborators you hear in the catalog or commissioned separately. Fully original, custom shows fall outside this scope and can be discussed separately.
Explore My Marching Band Shows
Browse a selection of customizable marching band shows that have energized programs across the country. Each was originally commissioned for a high school band and can be adapted to your ensemble — giving you the excitement of new music without the stress of starting from scratch.
Sonic Boom
Strap in as your audience is launched into the world of fighter jets, with driving rhythms, electrifying drill, and a thunderous finale of pure adrenaline.
Listen
“The only way out is through…” frames a journey from innocence to self-awareness, blending Shostakovich’s intensity with Sondheim’s melodies.
Fractured
Reflections burst in sound and motion as shattered fragments unite in a breathtaking spectacle of chaos, clarity, and moments of striking beauty.
Browse the Complete Catalog
Access hundreds of proven marching band shows and custom music arrangements — ready to inspire your next season.
Director Success Stories
Directors across the country have trusted my marching band shows to deliver excitement, growth, and results.
How much does it cost?
The cost for a marching band show adaptation is $3,000.
That includes all woodwind and brass music, fully adapted to your ensemble, as well as the entire collaborative process described above.
To put that number in context: some programs spend a few hundred dollars on music each year. Others spend tens — or even hundreds — of thousands on a single production. There’s no single “right” choice.
This option sits in the middle.
You’re getting proven music, thoughtful adaptation, and direct access to an experienced arranger and former band director.
The process of getting your show
1. We get everything set up
Once we decide to move forward, we handle the administrative details first — including your copyright licensing. From there, you’ll receive full perusal scores so you can see exactly what the music is before anything is finalized.
You’ll also complete a detailed questionnaire about your band, covering instrumentation, strengths, challenges, and soloists to help me understand your program.
2. You tell me what needs to change
You review the music and tell me what needs to be adjusted for it to be right for your kids. That might be range changes, solo assignments, feature tweaks, or broader considerations based on your current roster.
If anything needs clarification, I’ll ask questions to make sure I fully understand what you’re asking — not just what you mean on paper, but how it needs to work in rehearsal.
3. You receive everything you need
Within three to five weeks, you’ll receive your complete set of materials all at once: rehearsal-ready scores and parts, a personalized audio mockup of your version, and notation files you can use for prep or teaching.
The goal is for you to take the music and move forward with confidence, knowing it fits your program and supports the season you’re trying to create.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’d like to explore whether one of these shows is a good fit for your program, start by listening through the catalog and requesting perusal scores. Let’s build a show your students can own — and your program can be proud of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these marching band shows be customized for my instrumentation?
Yes — I customize every show to fit your ensemble’s exact strengths and needs. I know every high school band looks different: some have powerhouse brass sections, while others shine in woodwinds or percussion. If your ensemble is missing certain instruments or has an unusual balance, I’ll re-score parts so your students sound confident and full. I can adjust difficulty levels, redistribute voices, and ensure that no section feels left out. My goal is for your band to take the field with a marching band show that feels like it was written specifically for them — because in many ways, it will be.
Are these shows suitable for competitive marching band contests?
Absolutely. Every show I write is designed with contest performance in mind. I’ve worked with programs that compete at local festivals, UIL events, and Bands of America regionals, and I understand how adjudicators evaluate both music and effect. Each of my marching band shows includes moments of clarity, contrast, and pacing that judges look for, while also staying accessible to your students. Whether your band is aiming for captions, division placements, or just to take a big step forward competitively, I’ll ensure the music supports your goals. At the same time, I never lose sight of student experience — because great contest results come from students who love what they’re performing.
How do I request a show for my band?
It’s easy to get started. Simply fill out the form on this page and let me know which marching band shows caught your eye, or what kind of musical direction you’d like to explore. Once I receive your message, I’ll personally reach out to learn more about your program — your instrumentation, your student strengths, and your goals for the season. From there, I’ll recommend the best options and explain how I can customize the music for you. If you’d like, we can schedule a short call so you can ask questions directly. My process is designed to be simple, collaborative, and efficient, so you can focus on leading your students while I take care of the music.
How much do your marching band shows cost?
Pricing depends on the level of customization and the scope of the project. By selecting from my library of previously commissioned marching band shows, you’ll save significantly compared to commissioning a brand-new production. Directors often appreciate that they get the “best of both worlds”: proven, high-quality music at a more accessible price point, plus the benefit of my personal tailoring to make sure it fits their band. Once I know more about your program’s needs, I’ll provide clear pricing so you can make the best decision for your budget.
How long does it take to receive the music once I’ve chosen a show?
Delivery timelines vary depending on the level of edits and customization required. For many directors, one of the biggest benefits of choosing from my existing marching band shows is the speed — you can get access to a fully scored show much faster than starting a new commission. If we’re making adjustments for instrumentation or difficulty level, I’ll work with you to set a realistic timeline. In most cases, you’ll have what you need well before summer rehearsals begin, so your students can start learning with confidence.
How do these shows keep students engaged throughout the season?
Student engagement is always at the heart of what I do. I remember what it’s like to be a director trying to keep rehearsals energized week after week. That’s why every one of my marching band shows includes music that students enjoy playing and audiences enjoy hearing. From catchy motifs to dramatic build-ups and memorable finales, the writing is designed to keep energy high across the season. When students connect emotionally with their show, they rehearse harder, perform better, and carry those positive memories with them long after the season ends.
Can I combine music from different shows to create something unique?
Yes — directors often choose to mix and match from different marching band shows in my library. I can blend selections seamlessly, rework transitions, and make sure the final product feels cohesive. This approach is especially helpful for bands that want something fresh while still taking advantage of proven music. Think of it as a hybrid option: you get music you know will work on the field, but shaped into a show that’s uniquely yours.