Bill Muter, Composer
Award-winning composer, arranger, and marching band designer whose work has been performed at Madison Square Garden, Fenway Park, the Tribeca Film Festival, BET, MTV and by ensembles across the United States.
Original concert works and custom commissions for wind ensemble, concert band, chamber ensembles, and educational performances.
Custom marching band arrangements, competitive productions, stand tune collections, and ready-to-perform shows for ensembles of every level.
Original jazz compositions and custom commissions for big band, jazz ensemble, chamber groups, and featured soloists.
New Wind Ensemble Original Work Now Available!
“Otaj an Ayiti - A Tribute to the Spirit of Haiti”
About “Otaj an Ayiti”: Drawing inspiration from the infectious dance rhythms of Haitian konpa and rara, this work contributes to an underrepresented area of the wind ensemble repertoire while celebrating Haiti’s vibrant musical spirit. It is especially suited to ensembles with a strong percussion section and offers plenty of fun for the trombones, including optional conch shell parts and a conch shell solo.
Traveling musicians often have the opportunity to experience the world through a different lens than the average tourist. It is the difference between staying in someone’s grandparents’ home and sharing a home-cooked meal versus checking into a major hotel and eating at a familiar chain restaurant. I’ve always believed the best way to understand another culture is through its hospitality, its food, and its music.
In 2011, about a year after the devastating earthquake, I traveled to Haiti as part of a tour with a konpa band. Upon landing at Aéroport International Toussaint Louverture, the effects of the disaster were impossible to ignore. Tent cities stretched across parts of Port-au-Prince, and reminders of hardship seemed to be everywhere. Yet the longer I stayed, the more another Haiti began to emerge. I saw brightly painted tap-tap buses weaving through the streets, vibrant artwork covering walls and storefronts, and a people whose warmth and generosity shone through even the most difficult circumstances.
That trip changed me. I learned about resilience and strength. I learned how hope can exist alongside hardship and how art and music can become powerful expressions of joy, identity, and perseverance.
Haiti’s history is one of extraordinary courage. In 1804, it became the first independent Black republic in the world and remains the only nation founded through a successful revolt of enslaved people. Its fight for independence challenged the notion that slavery was inevitable and inspired movements for freedom across the Americas. That hard earned freedom came at an enormous cost, and Haiti has continued to face tremendous challenges throughout its history. Yet time and again, its people have responded with compassion, creativity, music, color, and an unbreakable spirit.
Otaj an Ayiti—“Hostage in Haiti”—draws inspiration from those experiences and contrasts. This work is ultimately not about being held hostage by people, but about the moments in life when we all feel held hostage by fear, uncertainty, or circumstances beyond our control. Even in those moments, we can choose hope. We can choose compassion. We can choose to create.
The music unfolds like two opposing personalities. One is dark, tense, and uncertain; the other is joyful, vibrant, and full of life. Throughout the work, you’ll hear rhythms inspired by Haiti’s rich musical traditions, including the infectious pulse of konpa and echoes of rara processions that fill the streets with drums, horns, and celebration. Together, these contrasting voices tell a story not of despair, but of resilience—a portrait of a people whose spirit continues to shine through every challenge.
Client Testimonials and Arrangements Heard Around the World
While much of Bill’s work is created for marching ensembles, his arranging portfolio also includes international touring productions. Recent credits include serving as horn arranger for Medjy’s world tour, with performances at venues such as Madison Square Garden, Fenway Park, Dôme de Paris and more. These productions required creating arrangements that were both artistically compelling and effective in large-scale live performance environments.
Marching Band:
Custom Stands Tunes Packets
Send an email with your song requests and your instrumentation to get started!
Get the competitive edge with your program!
With your own custom tailored show, you get a product that works for YOUR group and their strengths and weaknesses. Each year we have a limited number of spots available for new commissions so make sure to contact us now to set up a consultation.
We also have a number of previous commissions that are available at a discounted rate.
MUSIC COPYRIGHT:
It is the sole responsibility of the ENGAGER to obtain rights for any previously copyrighted music that will be arranged for this agreement. Although Bill Muter (DBA Atlantic Arts and Entertainment) will not be held responsible for any licensing fees or liabilities, we can help guide you through the process if you need any assistance.
Previous Commissions for Sale:
“Midnight Vacancy”
Medium Advanced
Beneath the glow of a flickering “Vacancy” sign, travelers find themselves drawn into a world of mystery, memories, and unanswered questions. Midnight Vacancy combines the charm of classic roadside America with eerie twists and unexpected turns, creating a journey that is both familiar and unsettling.
“Strings Attached”
SAMPLE - Medium Easy
Bound by strings but driven by dreams, a wooden puppet embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As the strings begin to loosen, it learns that becoming alive is about more than movement, it’s about finding the courage to choose its own path
“Razor’s Revenge”
FULL SHOW! - Advanced
A contemporary spin on the timeless tale of Sweeney Todd, with a modern twist and a soundtrack that includes music by Rossi, Sondheim, Kendrick Lamar, and others.
“Crazy”
SAMPLE - Medium Easy
Crazy explores the twists and turns of the human mind through moments of chaos, excitement, and reflection. As reality and imagination collide, the journey reveals that sometimes the craziest path leads to the greatest discoveries.
“Imposter”
SAMPLE - Intermediate
Is there a infiltrator among the group? Patience is key—discover the truth as the story unfolds! This show concept is crafted for a smaller ensemble but is versatile enough to be tailored for any group size
“Star Worlds”
SAMPLE - Medium Advanced
Star Worlds is a thrilling journey through the cosmos, exploring distant planets, shining stars, and the mysteries that lie beyond our world. Filled with wonder and adventure, the show reminds us that the universe is full of possibilities waiting to be discovered.
“Deja Fugue”
SAMPLE - Intermediate / Advanced
Ever get the sensation that you've encountered that sound previously? Perhaps you have, or it could just be déjà vu. This imaginative performance revolves around the concept of recurring memories, adding a unique twist to the experience.
“Haybales and Harmony”
SAMPLE - Medium Easy
Haybales & Harmony blends the timeless spirit of the American West with a fresh, modern sound. From rustic landscapes and country traditions to contemporary rhythms and high-energy celebrations, the show explores how the heart of the countryside continues to inspire new generations.
“2023”
FULL SHOW!- Intermediate
How will life unfold precisely 100 years from now? Will AI dominance be a reality? Will the human race undergo such profound changes that recognition becomes a challenge? This show is poised to narrate, if not predict, the unfolding story of the future
“Reflections of Alice”
FULL SHOW! - Advanced
An entertaining and innovative spin on the timeless Alice in Wonderland. This performance also includes a lively drum break, inviting your band to dance and unleash their energy
“Shades of Blue”
FULL SHOW! - Intermediate
The blues isn't exclusive to schools with blue colors. This show swings with intensity yet remains accessible for various skill levels, transcending the color spectrum of school identities
“Who Will Wear the Crown”
SAMPLE - Intermediate
The narrative of the quest for dominance and power unfolds in the performance titled "Who Will Wear the Crown."
“Heavy Metals”
FULL SHOW! - Intermediate / Advanced
Is it a show about heavy metal or heavy metals? To uncover the answer, you'll just have to listen. Perhaps it's a bit of both?
“Fallen Angel”
FULL SHOW! - Intermediate / Advanced
A contemporary spin on the timeless tale of a fallen angel.
“Lost in the Fog”
MEMBER CAM (Euphonium) - Advanced
Derived from the classic tale of Mary Poppins, this show promises to lift you off your feet, featuring a grand dance sequence in the middle accompanied by a full band
“Our Story”
FULL SHOW! - Advanced
It's not the West Side Story; it's YOUR story. This show puts a modern spin on the classic musical, tailored for a band with a touch of edge.
“Level Up”
FULL SHOW! - Intermediate
The audience becomes active participants as they join the band in immersing themselves into this interactive video game experience
“After the Storm”
FULL SHOW! - Intermediate
This is not just another show about weather. This show is dark, creepy and will have you hoping for clear skies.
“The Evolution of Marching Band”
FULL SHOW! - Beginning / Intermediate
Take the audience on a journey through the history of the marching band, exploring all the hits in this high-energy show. Tailored for an up-and-coming band, it's sure to captivate and energize
“Pinball Wizard”
FULL SHOW! - Intermediate / Advanced
An engaging show centered around a drive-in movie-themed pinball machine. Perfectly paced for an up-and-coming group, it's guaranteed to captivate and involve the audience
“Macy’s Parade 2019”
PARADE SEQUENCE - Beginning
Get in on the excitement and play all the iconic Universal theme hits with this snippet from the 2019 Universal Macy's Parade
About the Percussion Scores:
All the music featured above is crafted by Bill Muter. Although Bill composes full scores including percussion cues for each show and complete percussion scores for certain productions, some of the aforementioned shows also benefited from the contributions of percussion designers such as Drew Tucker, Cisco Hance, DC Gutierrez, Jason Bloom, Mitchell Beckman, Andres Martinez, Marcus Hawkins, Mike Lao, and others. Some of the best products are results of a great collaboration which is why it is important to mention those contributors here.
Music Production / Recording / Playing Credits:
Click the photo to listen to the song/album.
Film Credits
Aurinko in Adagio - Elisee Junior St Preux - Produced by Lena Waithe
Contact Us!
Do you have a question? Drop a message below and we will get back to you ASAP.