Alex Thode (he/him/they) would first and foremost like you to know that not only is the “e” at the end of his last name not silent, but that he is also a composer and arranger most known for his work in the pageantry arts. He resides in Waukesha, Wisconsin with his cat, Buzz. An alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Alex composes and arranges for marching bands across the continental United States. Always aiming to infuse contemporary music with the classics and the mainstream with the obscure, his marching band arrangements are known to stand out for their eclectic musical diversity and creative sonic environments.

Alex's clientele have been Bands of America (BOA) Regional Finalists and Class Champions, BOA Super Regional Class Champions, UIL Area Champions and State Finalists, WGI Winds Class Champions, and also make regular appearances at BOA Grand Nationals. He has also had the privilege of having his arrangements performed in the 2016 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the 2020 Tournament of Roses Bandfest.

Along with his compositions and arrangements for the pageantry arts, Alex also has been commissioned to write middle school and high school concert band works, and enjoys composing chamber percussion music. Alex recently completed his new piece for 8-piece percussion ensemble, “the carving of canyons,” which premiered in January 2022.

In his free time, Alex enjoys watching movies and believing he’s a professional film critic, hiking and pretending that he’s athletic, traveling and acting like he’s Marco Polo, playing piano, guitar and a variety of kalimbas, and being with good company.

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