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Testimonials

      "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."

      “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!”

      "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."

      “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.”

      “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.”

      "We had spent a few years designing our own shows, and soon came to the realization that we were dragging our kids through the mud. As educators, it is our responsibility to give our students the best experience possible. Box Six provides the tools to make this happen. Their shows are exciting, competitive and affordable. Our kids have enjoyed every Box Six show they have played and the staff has enjoyed learning what design elements make-up a successful indoor percussion show. Since we began working with Box Six, we have been able to focus on improving the skills of our students while not getting bogged down with the design process. We are proud of our competitive accomplishments, but are even more proud of the amazing experience we are able to give to our students with a Box Six Show."

      "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."

      "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!"

      "Working with John and Ian has been truly inspiring. The Box Six team works at the highest level of creativity and detail. As a visual designer, it is a joy to work with Box Six because both music AND visual events are already planned out meticulously before I ever put down a single dot. This allows me to take my design process to the next level of efficiency and effectiveness because the music is so well thought out. If you're looking for a state of the art marching band package, Box Six is the answer."

      "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!"

      “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.”

      "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?"

      “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!”

      "John Mapes clinic for the Minnesota Percussion Association was a huge benefit to our circuit. John's wide range of experience in the indoor percussion activity has given him the breadth of knowledge to assist novice drumline instructors, world class designers, and everyone in between. Mapes approach to show design is practical and attainable for all instructors, and allowed everyone to walk away with a clear set of tools to use in their own design process. I would strongly encourage every circuit to consider bring John in for their instructors training seminars!"

      "Having been fortunate enough to bring Ian in for a clinic, I was impressed by how practical his information was. Many designers and instructors will talk to you about the philosophy surrounding designing for different classes, but Ian brought real-world examples that truly brought to life the ways Box-Six is able to so effectively craft shows for specific skill sets. Ian gave specific and concrete suggestions for utilizing electronics and sound reinforcement that truly can’t be learned anywhere else. You won’t read this stuff in a textbook, these lessons were learned by experience!"

      “When I emailed John and Ian about doing a clinic for my circuit, I knew we would be getting insight into indoor percussion that none of the Intermountain Percussion Association had heard before. What I didn’t know is that the guys at Box Six would be so friendly and easy to work with. I’ve attended too many clinics where I’ve sat and listened to a lecture about how to run a drumline etc... I was surprised at not only how knowledgeable and professional John Mapes was, but at how easy going he was. We weren’t just another gig to John. He took the time to research our circuit, determine what we needed and tailor the clinic to us. The information was exactly what we needed to hear and it was delivered in a way that made you feel like he’d known us for years. Not only are the people at Box Six some of the best in the activity, they’re incredibly fun people to deal with. ”

      "Having just sat through 3 hours of a John and Ian clinic has been 10 years of experience wrapped up into 3 hours and that really didn’t even touch the tip of it. All that knowledge and information that they have gained over the last 10 years if what you get. It’s a glimpse into the insight, mind and the craziness of what goes on there!"

      "John Mapes gave a wonderful presentation to our students and directors. He included practical information about show concepts, music composition, set design, color choices and many other useful topics for all levels A, Open and World. The question and answer segment gave everyone the opportunity to ask specifics which were discussed in a comfortable atmosphere. Professional yet relaxed, John’s material and approach covered “Real” issues in a way that was beneficial to all."

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