Original Compositions
Works for the Competitive Arts
Arrangements and Transcriptions
Leadership and Conducting Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Terms and Conditions
When I began working as a composer, my goal was to write music that is accessible, challenging, and educational for student and professional ensembles. I will work with you to create new works for solo, chamber, or concert ensembles, both orchestral and wind. I am dedicated to expanding the repertoire not only for collegiate and professional ensembles, but more importantly for middle and high school band and orchestra programs.
For examples of my work, please visit the Works page. If you would like to collaborate on a project, please contact me at will@williampittsmusic.com. I will work with you to create a product that will both support your performance goals and enrich your educational initiatives.
Works for the Competitive ArtsAll of my arrangements and original compositions for the Competitive Arts are geared towards making your production both entertaining and accessible for your students, audiences, and the competitive world. I will work with you and your staff to create a show that fits your needs in terms of programming, length, instrumentation, competitive goals, and timeline. I can create arrangements of pre-existing works, work with you to create a completely original show that is tailored to your specific ideas, or anything in between.
Your completed show will include:
1) Full scoring for winds with percussion cues all in .pdf format (gotta be green!)
2) A score for each movement and a copy of each part
3) Reference recordings for your useTo see and hear previous examples of works for the competitive arts, please visit the Works for the Field Page
Pricing
Every production is different, so there is no way to set a specific rate without taking into consideration the instrumentation, length, purpose, and timeline of a product. If you are interested in collaborating on a project, please contact me at will@williampittsmusic.com and we will discuss pricing options.
*If you are interested, I can also provide you with a full package including any or all of the following:
Arrangements and TranscriptionsIf you are interested in having a previously composed work arranged for soloist, chamber, or full concert ensemble, I will work with you to create a version that holds true to the original intent of the piece while also being innovative and creating a work that suits your performance needs. Clients must provide proof of any work not in the public domain that is to be arranged before any work can begin.
Leadership and Conducting TrainingThe need for effective student leadership is imperative to a performing organization's success. WPM can provide any or all of the following for a student leadership clinic:
- Leadership workshops for Student Leadership
- Sessions for specific leaders and/or sections (Colorguard, Winds, Percussion, Drum Majors)
- Print Materials customized for your specific group
- Group and One-on-One instruction (single session to multi-day)
- Clinics and Workshops using pre-existing materials of your choice
- Conducting Workshops and Audition Clinics
1. What is the best way to contact you?
2. What is the process from start to finish?
3. What information do you need when I order a show?
4. What is your typical instrumentation?
5. Who is responsible for obtaining the copyright permissions of works not in the public domain?
6. Is there a deadline for submitting materials to begin a marching band production?
7. How long will my project take?
8. How much will it cost?
9. Do you offer regional/national protection?
10. Can I modify the title of a previously composed/arranged show to make it unique to my band?
11. Can I modify the composition/arrangement and orchestration?
12. Will you send a Finale file of a previously composed/arranged show for us to modify?
13. Will you alter a previously composed/arranged show to fit my band's instrumentation needs?
14. Can I view scores for perusal?
15. How often can I perform a work?Have other questions? E-mail me at will@williampittsmusic.com and I'll do my best to answer them!
Q: What is the best way to contact you?
A: E-mail. I have several different e-mails for the sake of organizing questions and answers:
will@williampittsmusic.com - for general questions and project discussions
orders@williampittsmusic.com - for ordering works or for inquiries related to pricing.
webmaster@williampittsmusic.com - for comments/suggestions about the website.
Q: What is the process from start to finish?
A: Essentially, our collaboration will work like this:
1. You and I will discuss the project in detail (including cost, instrumentation, length, etc.)
2. Once we have come to an agreement, I will send you an Invoice and a Contract of Service.
3. You will sign both the invoice and Contract of Service and submit them back to me with the down payment. If you are using works not in the public domain for a work for the Competitive Arts, you must also submit rights to me with the invoice, contract, and down payment. All materials must be submitted by April 1st for a show to be performed the following fall.
4. Once I have received all of these components, I will begin working on your show.
5. As I finish each movement or segment, I will submit them to you for approval.
6. At this time, if you would like to make any changes, we can work together to fit your performance goals. Edits to correct design errors will be done free of charge.
7. If you are happy with the movement, I will submit to you final copies of the score, parts, and mp3 files of reference recordings. All will be submitted electronically unless you request hard copies (additional $25 charge). This process will be the same for all movements. NOTE: Concert works will be submitted in hard-copy form free of charge.
8. Once these final copies have been submitted, any other edits besides minor tweaks will incur and additional fee based on the time to complete the edits.
9. Once the project is complete, you will have until the specified payment date to submit the remainder of the payment. There will be an additional charge for late payments (See "Terms and Conditions" below).
Q: What information do you need when I order a show?
A: In addition to the contract, signed invoice, deposit, and rights, you will need to send me an e-mail with the following information:
SCHOOL INFORMATION
School Name:
School Mailing Address:
School City, State, Zip:
School Phone / Extension:
(If you have a direct band office line, that is preferred)
School FAX:
DIRECTOR INFORMATION
Who is the main director/contact for the marching band?:
Head Band Director Name:
Head Director Office Phone:
Head Director Mobile Phone:
Head Band Director Email:
Assistant Band Director Name:
Asst. Band Director Email:
BAND INFORMATION
What is you band's web site address?:
What Region (Texas Only) are you in?:
What Area (Texas Only) are you in?:
CIRCUIT INFORMATION
Primary Competitive Circuit / Class:
What is you primary circuit's web site address?
Secondary Circuit / Class:
What is you secondary circuit's web site address?
Bands of America Event(s)? List all:
Any other special events?:
Q: What is your typical instrumentation?
A: Most shows are typically scored for the following:
Flute/Piccolo
Clarinet 1/2
Bass Clarinet
Alto Sax
Tenor Sax
Baritone Sax
Trumpet 1/2/3
Mellophone
Low Brass 1/2/3
Tuba
Keyboard Cues
Percussion Cues
Synth CuesFor a more detailed list of instruments included in optional percussion scores, please e-mail me.
Q: Who is responsible for obtaining the copyright permissions of works not in the public domain?
A: 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. If you would like WPM to take care of these agreements, there will be a service charge on top of the permission fees.
Q: Is there a deadline for submitting materials to begin a marching band production?
A: Everything must be submitted to me by April 1st for work to be performed the following fall.
Q: How long will my project take?
A: It is difficult to put a specific timeline for each project as each differs in complexity, instrumentation, etc. I typically estimate that works for the Competitive Arts will take 3-4 weeks from receipt of the contract, rights, and downpayment (see the question about the process above).
A: I have a general rate range that I use for original works and arrangments, but I do not want cost to be the only thing that keeps us from being able to work together. If we can make some slight adjustments to fit your budget, then I will be happy to do this. If we cannot find a mutual agreement, I will do my best to recommend an option for you that fits your needs and your budget stipulations.
For other payment-related questions, please review the Terms and Conditions below.
Q: Do you offer regional/national protection?
A: I will do my best to make sure that no other group within your competitive circuit will be performing the same show. With this, I need all clients to provide as much information as possible about their competitive goals and where they plan to perform over the course of the season. As long as this information is received in a timely fashion from all groups, there should be no problem with groups performing the same show.
Q: Can I modify the title of a previously composed/arranged show to make it unique to my band?
A: Yes. I completely understand that you would like to make the product your own. As long as appropriate credit is given to the designer(s), you can adjust the title and concept to fit your specific performance goals.
Q: Can I modify the composition/arrangement and orchestration?
A: Yes. I understand that your specific instrumentation needs might be completely different from the original instrumentation of the show. You may alter the instrumentation as you need. If you are to adjust instrumentation, the length, etc. of the show, I just ask that it be done in a tasteful manner, maintaining the quality and intent of the original work.
Q: Will you send a Finale file of a previously composed/arranged show for us to modify?
A: No. Piracy and plagiarism are problems that composers face on a daily basis. If you have a need to edit a specific part for some reason, e-mail me and we can discuss the options.
Q: Will you alter a previously composed/arranged show to fit my band's instrumentation needs?
A: Previously composed/arranged shows are sold as is. If you need me to make significant changes in instrumentation and/or programming, it will be treated like a new production (at a slightly lower cost than the original project).
Q: Can I view scores for perusal?
A: Yes. Perusal scores can be sent over e-mail. However, for copyright purposes, the scores will be in a non-printable format.
Q: How often can I perform a work?
A: This is a multi-part answer:
Works for the Competitive Arts are licensed to a group for a period of one (1) scholastic year.
Purchased Concert Works and Arrangements can be performed as many times as you like. All I ask is that I am notified of each performance for my own records as well as for publicity's sake on my website (for both you and me!). I must be notified at least one month prior to each performance.
Have other questions? E-mail me at will@williampittsmusic.com and I'll do my best to answer them!
**By Purchasing a Work or Service, you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions**
1. All arrangements, original compositions, and/or materials created by William Pitts or any other designer/clinician on behalf of William Pitts Music, Inc. (WPM) will be property of WPM and licensed to the purchasing organization(s) (Client).
2. All works for the Competitive Arts will be exclusive to the Client(s) for a period of one year and any derivative works become the property of WPM.3. There are no limits to the amount of times a purchased work may be performed and the work may be kept in your library. However, by purchasing any new or pre-existing work, you are agreeing to notify me of ALL public performances at least one month prior to the scheduled performance. Permission to record the work requires additional written permission from WPM.
4. Rental-Only Pieces are good for one academic year and may be performed multiple during that year at no additional cost. Parts must be returned at the end of the Academic Year. Scores purchased with a rental do not need to be returned.
5. An extension of the original license or permission to re-arrange involves a new contractual agreement and additional costs.
6. If any works not in public domain are to be used in a work for the Competitive Arts, the Client(s) must provide proof of rights to arrange. For previously arranged works, the Client(s) must contact the original copyright holder(s) to receive permission to use the works again. No work will begin until these rights have been obtained and proof has been submitted to WPM.7. A non-refundable down payment will be required before work can begin on any project. Typically the down payment will be 25% of the total cost. For works for the Competitive Arts, I will not send the final minute of music until I receive the remaining balance. The final payment for Concert Music commissions will be due thirty (30) days after delivery of the piece.
**NOTE: Final Payments for Concert Music commissions and/or works for the Competitive Arts must be received PRIOR to any public performance. Rights to perform are only awarded upon receipt of full payment. Full payments for previously composed works must be received before the work will be sent.
8. Rewrites will be made without charge to correct design errors. WPM will send copies of each section/movement for approval before sending final editions and parts. Once a segment has been completed and parts are distributed, rewrites will incur a fee based on time required to complete.
9. All completed works for the competitive arts will be distributed electronically and will include .pdf files of scores and parts and mp3 files of reference recordings. Hard copies of scores and parts will incur an additional $25 fee.
10. All completed works for solo, chamber, or concert ensemble will be distributed in hard copy form and will include one (1) score and a full set of parts (one copy of each part).
11. For educational clinics, leadership training seminars, and/or conducting workshops that require the travel of a WPM Staff Member or contracted clinician, full payment must be received by the final day of the event.
