Please look through our list of FAQ’s and see if we have an answer to one of your questions. If you are unable to find an answer, or would like more information, please feel free to contact us.
Contact:
What is the best way to contact you?
The best way to contact us is by using our contact page, or simply just send us an email. We check our mail multiple time a day, and we look forward to answering your questions as soon as we can.
Ordering:
When is the best time to order custom show music or arrangement?
As early as possible. Many schools start discussing the following years music and show concepts with us, during their current season. This gives both the client and us plenty of time to create the best music possible. We understand how busy our clients can be, so we are more than happy to start work at any time. However, we encourage all clients to consider contacting us near the end of their current marching season. This will give you the best chance at securing regional protection.
What do your shows/music cost?
Our shows and music vary in price depending on what you are looking for. All costs for original shows (which includes public domain shows/music) are listed on the respective show/music page. If you are looking for a custom show or piece of music, please fill out a quote form (which can be found here) and we will send you an estimated price given the information you provide us.
How flexible are you with payments?
We completely understand the problems that can exist with purchase orders and school budgets. While we prefer to be paid up front, we are very flexible with payment deadlines. We will work with you to come up with an agreed upon payment due date, when we create our contracts.
Do you accept purchase orders?
Of course! We are are extremely flexible with payment types and due dates.
Arranging:
What do you mean by public domain music?
Public Domain music, in a very general sense, refers to music that was published in the United States before 1923. These works can be used without permission or charge because no one owns them. One of the most helpful articles to read that explains the concept of public domain can be found here. We are more than happy to help you figure out whether a piece of music is in the Public Domain or if it requires permissions. Generally, if you are able to find a score that was published in the United States prior to 1923, then it is in the Public Domain.
What do you mean by permissions and acquiring rights to arrange?
Most music that is not in the Public Domain requires the acquisition of permissions to arrange that piece of music. This means that in order to arrange that song, we have to acquire permission from the current publisher or composer. This usually costs a specific amount of money, which will vary from piece to piece, publisher to publisher, and/or composer to composer. Once permissions have been acquired, we are granted the rights to arrange that piece of music.
Can I purchase an arrangement “as is”?
If it as arrangement of a piece of public domain music, than yes. However, if it is an arrangement that requires the use of permissions (i.e. not in the public domain), then we can not sell you that exact arrangement. While some arrangers and composers sell the same arrangements to their clients, we pride ourselves in educating our clients, and doing things legally. Without the purchase of a sub-publishing license, it is illegal to sell the same arrangement to all of our clients. That being said, we will customize each non public domain piece of music to fit your ensemble. Permissions costs are still required, but the cost of the music is less than purchasing a brand new arrangement.
General:
When I purchase a show/music, what period of time may I perform it?
All shows and music are to be used for one marching season. If you would like to use the music, or sections of the music beyond the given time frame, please contact us for additional information.
What is the advantages/disadvantages of purchasing original music over an arrangement?
Purchasing or commissioning a piece of original music automatically comes with our regional protection guarantee (see below for more information on regional protection). If you purchase an arrangement, you risk the possibility of other bands using the same music as you because anyone can acquire permissions to arrange that music. The being said, we do offer regional protection to all of our arrangements as well. This means that even though other schools might have used the same piece of music, they will not have the same arrangement.
Motion Designs offers automatic regional protection to all shows/music that is used in competition. This generally means that no other band will be play the same piece of music as you in any competition. We will frequently update this section with more details about our regional protection as it pertains to other states and competitions.
How long does it take to compose a show?
The length of time it requires us to compose a show depends on various factors. Generally, the longer we have to work on a show the better. Our goal is to write the best music that will result in the best sounds from your ensemble, which takes time. It can take anywhere from 1 to 4 months to write a complete show depending on the difficulty level of the music, whether it is an original piece or an arrangement, specific ensemble requests, etc. We pride ourselves in working with any deadline, but we encourage you to contact us early.
Adjusting and Editing:
Can we change the percussion parts?
Almost every show or piece of music from Motion Designs comes with the option of purchasing the stock percussion parts. This means you can purchase the front ensemble parts, the battery parts, both, or neither. If you are looking to write your own percussion parts, then just purchase the winds (woodwinds and brass) score.
Can we mix and match pieces to fit our show?
Absolutely! As long as permissions are acquired for any arranged piece of music, you are more than welcome to mix and match pieces to fit your show concept. Please contact us with your specific request or questions.