How do you keep costs down with music for a children's orchestra?

[aintgotnorhythm]

Hi

I help out with a non-profit local children's orchestra with children from 8-18 (organised into junior, middle and senior levels).

Music and hire of sheet music is a big expense for us, just wondering if anyone had any advice? e.g. we would like to have the children take their parts home to practise but that requires buying a 2nd set of music as they can no longer share with their partner at the desk, it also risks the loss of individual parts. Even a 2nd set of music may not be enough to provide a part for everyone to take home because not all the orchestras are balanced, e.g. we have way too many flutes.

Most of the music played is still protected by copyright so photocopying is not an answer.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

[Bob]

This is what I've seen schools do...
Buy enough sets of music for everyone.  Either buying two sets of parts or by buying one set and filling in other parts.  Sometimes it's $2-5 per part though so it really doesn't make sense in that case.

Use photocopies and say you "protecting your investment."  That doesn't mean anything for copyright.  It's still a copy so it's still illegal, but I've never heard anyone complain.  That way when the parts come back mutilated (assuming they come backat all) you can still function.

Or don't send home parts with each individual.  Have them share folders and let them
figure it out.


Another idea -- Contact the publisher. Tell them you're already buying two sets of scores and ask if you can fill in the rest with photocopies.  They might ok that and then you're in the clear.  Or they might ok it if you've just bought one part.  Usually they'll want you to at least have purchased enough to cover nearly everyone though.


Probably not an option.... I've seen festivals just state what music they're playing.  It's up to the students and music teacher there to come up with the part. That's tricky in the case where music is out of print.