About

SAM FETTIG

Sam Fettig is a Wisconsin-based composer whose music has been performed by professional and educational ensembles throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. His catalog spans orchestra, chamber music, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, brass, and choral music, characterized by an accessible contemporary tonal language, rhythmic vitality, and idiomatic writing for performers.

Recent recognitions include **First Place** in the 2026 Tunescribers International Arranging Competition, **Winner** of the Plattsburgh Clarinet Choir International Call for Scores, finalist honors from the Cambiata Arts *Phantomnesis* International Composition Competition, the European Recording Orchestra, Heartland Symphony Orchestra, and the National Flute Association, as well as selection for a highly competitive international composition development program from more than 500 applicants.

Recent performances include the York Symphony Orchestra (Pennsylvania), Clarinouveau 2026 (Montréal), and ensembles in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. His music has been commissioned, performed, and read by professional and educational ensembles ranging from chamber groups to symphony orchestras.

Rooted in a contemporary tonal aesthetic, Fettig's music emphasizes memorable melody, structural clarity, and expressive orchestration. Drawing on influences from classical tradition, jazz, and minimalism, his works frequently explore themes of place, motion, wonder, and perspective while remaining engaging and accessible to performers and audiences alike.

In addition to his work as a composer, Fettig is a published author and educational consultant with The Hal Leonard Corporation. As a professional saxophonist, he has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and alongside Doc Severinsen, Johnny Mathis, Lou Rawls, and Maynard Ferguson. He holds degrees in music education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and VanderCook College of Music.

"Your arrangement is awesome...it’s terrific!"

-Dr. Ryan Gardner, DMA, Professor of Trumpet, University of Colorado Boulder

President, International Trumpet Guild, Artistic Director, Music for Autism

I am so thankful for what you have done for our program!"

-Benson Truong, Ockley Green Middle School, Portland, OR

"Sam's piece was a joy to work on and a concert highlight for students and parents!"

-Jessica Kindschi Walter, Martin Luther HS,Greendale, WI

"The concert was a success...the community absolutely loved your pieces"

-Jenny Adam, New Hampton Middle School, IA

Sam was extraordinarily, responsive, flexible, intuitive, fun to work with, and ... extremely fast. He had the first draft of the entire piece done in three days, and we probably spent a total of three weeks on it, but could have finished it faster if I was quicker to respond to his emails. His turnaround on a set of changes was generally one to two days which blew me away. I highly recommend Sam for arranging work.

-Spencer Goad, Kellogg Middle School, Portland, OR

"As a seasoned educator and performer, Sam Fettig is keenly aware of how to address the needs of student musicians at a wide variety of levels and ensembles. His compositions and arrangements are carefully designed, and offer engaging learning opportunities for all!"

-Tom May, Janesville Public Schools (WI)

"Sam really worked with me to adapt the arrangement to OUR group. Sam is a master arranger, he is professional, fast, and can arrange in any style that I need! I can tell that Sam takes pride in every piece he writes. He cares about his pieces getting done effectively, efficiently, and with attention to detail. Sam has great patience. He was very happy to tweak my arrangements until they were perfect!"

-Justin Steger, Music Educator, Fort Atkinson High School

"Sam possesses a remarkable ability to understand and cater to the needs of band directors, assisting them in enhancing their programs. On numerous occasions, I have personally benefited from his arrangements, which he specifically tailored to my requirements.

I highly recommend and endorse Sam Fettig and his services."

-Eric Jacobson, Origin Records recording artist, band leader and educator