Evan VanDoren is an in-demand music composer regularly commissioned to create engaging & award-winning music for marching bands and concert ensembles at all skill levels. Evan’s music is regularly performed around the country, including premiere performances at the Texas Music Educator’s Association Convention and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Currently, Evan serves as brass composer & arranger for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, from Santa Clara, California.

Evan is an active clinician and has presented for Drum Corps International, the Music Educators National Convention, the Texas Bandmasters Association, the Texas Music Educators Association, and Music for All. He regularly consults with band programs around the country. Additionally, Evan is an active adjudicator with Bands of America, the University Interscholastic League, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association.

Before devoting his life to creating music, Evan was a band director at Cedar Park High School, in Cedar Park, Texas, during which time the band was awarded multiple marching state championships and national recognition. He received a Bachelor in Music Education with Honors from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Currently, he lives in Cedar Park, Texas, with his wife, Katie, daughter Anna, and their dog, Cooper.

What makes my marching band shows different?

Drawing from my experience as a band director, my educational background, and active involvement in the marching arts...

Music is composed to align seamlessly with the band's skill level. To put it simply, if I wouldn't want to teach it, I won't write it! The scores and parts come to you already "pre-cleaned", so your students can sound great from the very first read!

Music is written with fundamental concepts in mind and instrument-specific challenges considered. The “little” details make the “big difference”. Things like choosing keys that put students in good ranges, and on more “in-tune” notes. Things like avoiding the throat tones on clarinets. Things like writing woodwind (and brass) technique that, while might sound challenging, are written to use very playable fingerings. Things like considering the lengths of phrases played, and how often students need to breathe!

Music is always delivered on time. No exceptions. The last thing you need is the stress of waiting on your show. You're already spinning enough plates as it is!

Music will be in your hands with plenty of time for the rest of your design team to do their thing. Once you have the core of your musical product, you can share it with the rest of your design team at an early stage. As the marching arts increasingly prioritize the visual coordination of your show, it is now more important than ever to ensure your visual designers are set up for success!

When you choose to commission an arrangement from me, I’ll be here to make it right for you – no matter what.  From the moment your idea is born until the final performance, I'll be by your side to adjust, tweak, help, suggest, and edit your musical program. Together, we'll strive for maximum achievement and effectiveness.