Testimonials

“The music of Craig Fitzpatrick is a delightful blend of creative textures, well crafted
development and expert orchestration. He demonstrates a marvelous ability to create
a wide variety of expressive settings for ensembles of all levels of playing experience,
from young players to the most advanced performers.”
- Robert Sheldon,
Composer and Music Editor for Alfred Music Publishing

Craig Fitzpatrick's marching band arrangements have taken our program to a new level. In addition to his outstanding composing and arranging skills, he is also the consummate professional when communicating with directors throughout the arranging process. He is always open to ideas, and writes to the band's strengths each year. I look forward to many years of working together with one of the best composers/arrangers around.

-Tom Reifenberg, Director of Bands

Greendale High School

Greendale, WI

"Our band staff and band parent's organization were privileged to work with
Craig Fitzpatrick on a commissioned work to honor our departing fifth grade
band director. This was our first experience with this process, and we have
found it very rewarding and well worthwhile. Needless to say, I was very
impressed with the result. Perhaps what impressed me the most about Craig's
writing was his ability to be so expressive while maintaining the limited technical
demands of a grade 1.5 piece. I was especially pleased with the fresh harmonic
and rhythmic structure that Craig lended to our piece.
Most importantly, Craig was able to avoid all of the standard cliches that infuse
so much of the music that is available at this grade level. In addition to sustaining
the interest of young players, Craig's music has the depth to be a source of musical
satisfaction for the conductor as well. Every time I experience Craig's music, I hear
something fresh, invigorating, and inspiring."
- Jessica Heidbreder
Band Director, Johnston High School
Johnston, IA

"Craig is one of the fastest rising stars in the composition/arranging field.
His music is fresh, innovative and very memorable by audiences and performers
alike. What set Craig apart for me was his willingness to not only custom write
for my group, but his follow-through in revisions until we were satisfied with
every last detail. Many arrangers may get the product to you, but getting
anything else out of them once "version" one is in hand is near mpossible.
We were thrilled to perform Craig's arrangements in the 2004 Hollywood
Christmas Parade and the 2005 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
This past year, we hired Craig to write our entire competitive show. His music
received rave reviews from adjudicators. As with any custom arrangements, changes
needed to be made to match what was going on with the drill. Not only did Craig
get the revisions done, but he got them completed within 2 days...and with a great
attitude and willing heart. This is a very rare personality trait in the arranging world.
Craig is a class act, the real deal and is at the top of his game."
- Dr. Tim Allshouse
Director of Bands, Blue Springs High School
Blue Springs, MO

"Craig Fitzpatrick is currently completing his fourth show for us. Each year his
ability to create a complete musical production that is carefully designed and
brilliantly connected from start to finish amazes me. His compositional training
and experience as a member of the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps are vital to
his work. Craig's sensitivity to the interweaving elements of sound, motion, and
visual effect paired with an unmatched skill for painting with all the musical colors
of the woodwinds, brass, and percussion put his show designs at the top of the field.
His rich harmonic textures and inventive use of melody led us to commission three
original concert works this year. His range as a composer has no boundaries!"
- Jeff Neavor,
Director of Bands, Morton High School
Morton, IL

"Criag Fitzpatrick's drill writing is quite simply some of the best around. His
willingness to work with you one on one and tailor your show around your
band's strengths is the kind of commitment that is most highly regarded by
band directors. His original ideas in conjunction with any ideas that you bring
to the table will ensure that you and your band have a fun and competitive season.
I can not imagine myself asking anyone else to write my show for me."
-Tim Karth,
Director of Bands, Streator Township High School
Streator, IL

“As a band director I look for arrangers and drill writers, like Craig, who are willing
to become an integral part of the creative team and that are willing to go beyond
just handing over a show. Craig's input and his has been a key to the success of our
marching program.”
- Dr. Walter Parks, Director of Instrumental Music
Metamora Township High School
Metamora, IL

“Craig Fitzpatrick's marching show arrangements and drill are inspired and innovative.
His attention to wind and mallet voicing are a breath of fresh air to our field show
concepts. Great wind literature never losses it's life when placed on the field. If
anything, it becomes more enhanced by the drill that he customizes to your band.
Craig strives to always give you what you are looking for in a Marching Performance
and offers artistic ideas to help accentuate your ensemble.”
- Christopher B. Render, Assistant Director of Bands
Metamora Township High School
Metamora, IL