Q: What is the best way to contact you?

A: Visit the Contact Page or 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.

 

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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).

 

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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?:

 

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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 Cues

For a more detailed list of instruments included in optional percussion scores, please e-mail me.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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).

 

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Q: How much will it cost?

A: I have a general rate range that I use for original works and arrangements, 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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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Q: Will you send a Finale/Sibelius/XML file of a previously composed/arranged show for us to modify?

A: Yes. If you sell it or distribute it or use it in any nefarious way, I will find you.

 

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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).

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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