Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible for the copyright of musical works?
The music arranger is contracted for the time it takes to arrange the music. All copyright permission and fees to the copyright holder with regard to the arrangement and performance of a work is the responsibility of the music director, school district, booster group or anyone else who signs the contract. No work will begin on a musical segment until proof of copyright permission is presented to the arranger.

2. How long will it take for my music and drill to be completed?
Typically it takes about 2 – 3 weeks from the receipt of the contract and copyright permission until the musical segment is completed. Drill can be completed in 1 – 2 weeks from the time the director notifies the designer of his exact numbers.

3. How will I get my product?
The music score and parts, drill charts, directors coordinate sheets and student coordinate sheets will be sent professionally packaged by regular mail. It can also be e-mailed to the director if he is in possession of the latest version of Finale. An MP3 disk of the music will also be included in the package. The product can also be e-mailed in a MP3 format for the music and a PDF format for the drill if requested.

4. What about musical edits or changes?
Musical edits will be made for no charge as long as they are within reason. I normally e-mail MP3s of the music one section at a time for your approval. I will then try to make any changes that you request before the printing of the final product. If you request major changes after the book is completed, you will be billed based on the time required to make the changes.

5. What about visual edits or changes?
Drill segments are handled in the same manner as the musical book. I will e-mail a copy of each drill segment in PDF format to you for your approval prior to continuing with the show. If you want any changes, it will be possible to make them well in advance of the printing of the final product. If you request minor drill changes after the book is completed, I can accommodate you for no charge but if you require huge personnel changes or large design changes, then you will be billed based on the time necessary to complete them. It is best when planning the show to guess a little high on your numbers. It is much easier to delete forms and adjust intervals than to cram positions in later.

6. Is the drill copyrighted?
According to the terms of the contract, the visual design book will remain the property of the designer for exclusive use by the client for the specified timeframe.

7. Will other schools in my area be performing the same show?
I cannot guarantee that other schools in your area may be performing the same musical selections or show ideas but I can guarantee that it will not be my product. Once you have purchased a show idea from me, I will not resell it again during the contracted season.

8. What about payment?
A deposit is required before any work will be done on your product. Upon completion and receipt of the product, the final amount will be due within 2 calendar weeks. Failure to make the scheduled payment will result in the client being accessed a $35.00USD late fee per 2 weeks.

9. Do you do original show music?
For a show based on all original music, you must have your concept, ideas, signed contract and deposit submitted before Dec. 15. Since this project will take much longer than a normal arrangement, you should call for a price quote. No discount rates apply to a show with original music.

10. What other musical venues can you arrange or write music for?
There are also options for specialized custom arrangements.
Holiday or Special Event Parade Tunes, Percussion Section Solos, Percussion Ensemble Solos, Original Concert Band Works, Original Jazz Band Selections, Special Event Ensemble Arrangements, Jazz Band or Jazz Combo Accompaniments for Swing/Show Choirs, Concert Band or Orchestra Accompaniments for Concert Choirs.