General
"The true mark of creative genius is not only the ability to create at a high level, but to do it consistently. Year after year John and Ian have proven to be at the forefront of the activity both creatively and competitively, and it is this consistency that makes them two of the best designers in the world of pageantry today."
-Riverside Community College, Battery Arranger/Program Coordinator
“No matter what year or what genre within the marching arts, the works that John Mapes and Ian Grom produce are always at the top of the pack. Musical, entertaining, educational and simply great stuff! Man, any group looking to buy a quality original marching band or indoor show would be more than satisfied with such a purchase. In fact I think you would be absolutely delighted! Thanks guys for the great work you two do!”
-The Cadets, Dartmouth H.S. Front Ensemble Arranger/Instructor
Indoor Percussion
"I've had the chance to judge these guys in every class year after year, and they never fail to deliver the goods and then some. Consistently clever and innovative in everything they put out, John and Ian are the real deal."
-DCI Hall of Fame, WGI Judge
“John Mapes and Ian Grom have figured out the indoor gig. Their blend of electronics and acoustics is second to none. Their shows are always well thought out, and are able to carry the theme from start to finish. I have enjoyed all of their shows as a spectator as well as a judge.”
-Percussion Caption head of the Concord Blue Devils, WGI judge
“As an active judge of various drumline competitions around the country, I always love coming to Southern California to see John and Ian’s work. Their compositional creativity, especially considering the number of shows they write is astounding. And each show sounds completely different. The voicing and orchestration of the front ensemble makes the groups sound really full and lush. Their knowledge and use of electronic percussion is cutting edge and the coordination of the pit and battery elements is something that makes the compositions special. I’m so excited that they have made their shows available for the general public.”
-DCI Judge
"When I first began exploring your website and checking out the productions that were available when we were in our planning stage of the season, I was completely captivated by each show. I found myself listening to each of them over and over again. The possibilities seem limitless and it was easy to get excited about the season. I cannot begin to tell you the number of times that we received credit for the orchestration of "Skin Deep". Each judge's tape began with "Wonderful scoring of the front ensemble. I love the warmth that the keyboards are introducing to the audience." And each time, I explained that we could not take credit. That the show simply was very well written. Our success this year has so much to do with your creativity and your ability to effortlessly take the musicians playing the music as well as the audience on a emotional journey.
On behalf of my staff and students, I want to thank you for making your programs available for the public. Our experience this year was without a doubt the most rewarding. Best of luck to you in the future. And I hope that Timber Creek will be able to work with one of your productions again."
-Band Director, Timber Creek High School, NJ
"On behalf of my fellow staff members at North Allegheny HS, thank you for providing us with a great show. The scoring was excellent, and our students, staff, and fans enjoyed it thoroughly. We truly appreciate what you do for the indoor activity in providing well written, successful compositions at a great price. We highly recommend Box-Six to anyone looking for a great show!"
-Indoor Percussion Staff, North Allegheny High School, PA
Marching Band
"I LOVE designing drill with the music arrangers at Box 6. The role of drill designer is incredibly more efficient when the music has visual events in mind and the programming is planned ahead of time. Hearing the arrangements how they're intended to sound from Day One makes the entire process enjoyable. For many of us, Marching Band IS life... and trust me, Box 6 will change your LIFE!"
-Designer for Rhythm X, Bluecoats Drum Corps, Amachi Percussion Ensemble and Centerville HS
“John and Ian’s arrangements are not only cutting edge but are leading the way in modern marching band design. The pacing is impeccable and the effects are brilliantly written in. After working with them for the past couple of years, I have them at the top of the list of arrangers that I enjoy working with.”
-Drill Designer
"Ian & John's compositions have been a breath of fresh air for our marching band program! We have stood apart at large regional contests for refreshing, entertaining, and quality programs. It is more than great percussion parts, it is amazing musical composition across the board with high quality entertainment as the focus. In Texas, we spend 13-14 weeks of our year in marching band. I believe Ian and John's compositions are of the depth and richness to make it our quality subject of study during this time with an entertainment payoff that can't be beat. Besides, they are fun to play and teach! Isn't that what we are in this business for?"
-Associate Director of Bands Cy-Fair High School, TX
“Box Six is for real. Ian and John’s compositions have a distinct, refreshing sound that, coupled with their engaging concepts, are the perfect vehicle for taking your band to the next level. “Seamless”, “Brilliant” and “Ridiculous” are what the adjudicators had to say this past season with our first Box Six production. The wind scores are artfully composed and powerful. The percussion score is what you’d expect from these guys – perfect! Ian and John have helped breathe new life into our marching program, and we can’t wait to continue our relationship with the team that truly sets new standards. Thank you Box Six!”
-Director of Instrumental Music, Rancocas Valley Regional High School, NJ