Program Note

Ryan Piggott (he/him) is a music educator and burgeoning composer/arranger from Mobile, Alabama. He is currently completing his degree in Instrumental and Vocal Music Education at Auburn University, where he has studied tuba and euphonium with Dr. Evan Kelsick (DMA, Eastman School of Music) and performed with ensembles including the Symphonic Winds and Chamber Choir.

Ryan’s writing focuses on composing music that is rewarding to rehearse and equally satisfying to perform, with clear educational value and audience appeal. With a growing catalog of works for ensembles of all sizes, he aims to support music educators by creating pieces that engage players of all levels without sacrificing musical integrity. His works have recently been performed by the Auburn University Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble and featured in halftime productions commissioned by the Wasilla High School Marching Band.

When he's not writing or teaching, Ryan enjoys tabletop gaming, experimenting in the kitchen, and watching movies.

My Philosophy of Writing Music

When composing music, I often ask myself three questions:

1. Is this playable?

2. Is the distribution of music even across all instruments?

3. Does this even sound good?

If it doesn't fit all three of these categories, it gets rewritten or it doesn't get published. Very seldom will I publish a piece with only whole notes in the low winds or a clarinet run that crosses the break ten times in just a few seconds. My goal for all compositions is for it to be grade-level appropriate and enjoyable by all (or most) performers and listeners.

As a future band director myself, I understand the importance of customization when it comes to music. Whether you are a small band looking to compete for the first time or a BOA class powerhouse going out for their 10th straight perfect score, my goal as an arranger is to offer you and your band a product that supports growth. For new arrangements, I promise to work diligently to get products in your ear as early as possible in the show design process. That way, you can further customize arrangements to get the right sound and difficulty for your band. If you are interested in a work that I have previously arranged, I can work with you to adapt that work for your program.