About — Downbeat Designs

Jack Donovan and Mike Brown, founders of Downbeat Designs

Founded 2022

Hi — we're Jack and Brownie.

We started Downbeat Designs in 2022 with a simple goal: meet the design needs of high school bands and drumlines who want a high-quality production without the price tag that usually comes with it.

Between the two of us, we've designed over 50 shows at every level of the activity — high school marching band, WGI, and DCI. We've seen what great design looks like from the inside, and we bring that same standard to every program we work with.

Serving A Class & Regional A ensembles nationwide

Jack Donovan

Co-Founder · Show Designer

Jack brings years of experience designing and teaching at the high school, WGI, and DCI levels. His approach focuses on writing that fits the performers in front of him — creating music that challenges without overwhelming, and that tells a story the audience can feel from the first note to the final release.

Mike Brown (Brownie)

Co-Founder · Show Designer

Mike brings a deep background in percussion design and audio production across marching band, indoor drumline, and beyond. He's passionate about making elite-level design accessible to programs that don't always get that attention — and believes every ensemble deserves a show that makes them proud to perform.

Our Philosophy

"Every ensemble deserves a show that's built for them — not a template, not a hand-me-down. Something they can own."

We work with A Class and Regional A programs because we believe that's where great design matters most. Smaller budgets, younger performers, and fewer resources — but just as much heart. That's where we want to be.

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Meet Downbeat Designs