Madds Music specializes in drill design for collegiate and high school marching bands. It's also your one-stop shop for custom music arrangements for collegiate, high school and middle school ensembles.
Madds Music was created by John Madden, Emeritius Director of the Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band. He held that position for 28 years, and spent the previous two years at Rutgers University as Director of the Marching Band. During those three decades, he designed hundreds of halftime shows, and crafted numerous musical arrangements. An enthusiastic Pyware 3D user, and Sibelius expert, John has been contracted to create drill and arrangements for collegiate and high school marching bands from across the United States since 1985.
With John, every client is a collaborator. Nothing is stock. When you contract with Madds Music, the process will focus on your needs, difficulty considerations, style of show and program goals, respectful of your hallmarks and traditions. Your feedback during the process is important. From the largest collegiate bands, to competitive high school bands, to the small town Friday night football band looking for a small number of drill pages, John welcomes the chance to collaborate with all.
When you work with John, you are working with a versatile professional and music educator. He retired from MSU in 2017 and retains the title of Emeritus Professor of Music. His awards and honors include membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association, and recipient of MSU’s “Withrow Award” for teaching excellence. He has presented clinics and workshops across the country, including at the Midwest Clinic, Drum Corps International (DCI), and the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA).
FAQs
Do you write “original music” shows?
No. However, let me refer you to some great composers I know who are doing that.
What are your fees?
Because this is a collaboration, and no two budgets are the same, I will work with you to find a meeting point. Then, I can get you the most appropriate service. Contact me today>
Do you handle copyright permissions?
No, but I can recommend a process for you. All arrangements of works not in the public domain will require that the commissioning band director request and receive "permission to arrange" from the copyright administrators of each composition. I will assist you with this simple process. Resources like Tresona can also assist you quickly.
Regarding percussion, do you write full drumline and pit parts?
No, but I can recommend a variety of total pros who specialize in writing “tasty beats” for any level of drumline.
Boston Brass had the privilege of performing John’s Earth, Wind and Fire arrangements with The University of Southern Mississippi "Pride of Mississippi” Marching Band. Every one of his arrangements had serious groove! From the opening horn lines of In the Stone to the final chords of Got to Get You Into My Life, the audience was captivated and dancing in their seats!
—Jeff Connor
Boston Brass, Internationally Renowned Brass Quintet
John Madden’s drill writing is exceptional. He is able to craft a product which is simultaneously exciting, creative, and which meets the ability level of the ensemble. John’s arrangements are nothing short of terrific. I trust him implicitly — he always delivers something incredibly creative, engaging, and appropriately challenging for my students. He is the consummate professional and works diligently to make sure that every need and desire is met. Simply put, you cannot go wrong with John Madden. Just the best!
—Colin R. McKenzie, DMA
Director, School of Music, The University of Southern Mississippi
I highly recommend the work and service from John Madden for any university or high school marching band! He provided unique insight based on a wealth of experience to improve our college marching band pregame and halftime shows, and his drill was clear to teach and perform, and always sent on time.
—Stephen Meyer, DMA
Director of Bands, Northern Arizona University
I have worked under John as a student performer and worked with him as a client. His drill and music are fun to perform. His work is always well suited to the needs of my ensemble. As an educator, I can tell him exactly where my students are in their development, and I'll get drill that suits their abilities. Having a drill writer who collaborates with me on the content and price is an invaluable tool. I recommend Madds Music to anyone in need of drill and arranging services.
—Joseph M. Swinkey
Director of Bands, Brighton (MI) High School
If you care about the quality of the music or drill your ensemble executes, you need the talent and skills of John Madden. As someone who has played his arrangements in a marching, athletic and professional setting, he never fails to deliver. The work he has done for my Soul, Pop and Jazz settings has brought my ideas to life. As a client, my ideas are heard, respected, and then we collaborate to produce a product that I am proud to perform. His skill set and his humanity make every project I do with him a positive experience that keeps me as a returning client. As a professional musician living and working in Los Angeles, my standards for quality are high and John always meets or exceeds them.
—Sammy K (Kestenholtz)
Professional Drummer, Educator & Composer, Los Angeles, CA
Grammy Nominee, Multi DownBeat Award Winner, Drummer on Song and Album of the Year (Dove Awards)
I was invited to solo with the Pride of Mississippi at USM. John Madden wrote some great arrangements for my halftime show!
—Tom “Bones” Malone
Trombonist: The Blues Brothers, David Letterman Show, Saturday Night Live
If you’d like to find out more, ask questions, see or listen to samples, or ask for references: fill out the information form below to get the conversation started. Let’s talk arrangements, drill, or both!
