Frequently asked Questions

Marching Band Drill

What advantage is there to custom written drill?
Custom written drill gives you many advantages over stock, adaptable drill designs. First and foremost, custom drill fits your band’s numbers precisely. This saves a considerable amount of time and headache in the teaching process. We are able to tailor to your bands specific needs regarding demand, length of phrase, staging, step-size etc. Drill is far easier to clean and quite frankly, may be written to give your halftime production much more excitement and effect. Bands who use adaptable drill designs are not nearly as successful as bands with well-written, customized drill. It isn’t even close….

How is drill pricing determined?
The price of drill design is determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors include overall size, integration requests, specific needs and total length of each production. Typically our fee averages around $20.00 per performer. For example, a marching band that fields 100 performers would cost around $2,000. We prefer to speak with you directly before determining an exact cost. It will likely save you a considerable amount of money.

I don’t have a full rehearsal field. Can you write to fit my rehearsal space?
Yes! We do this quite often. Just communicate with us your needs and we’ll be happy to tailor to your rehearsal space, write around obstacles, etc.

Can you integrate props in the drill?
Of course! Just give us the size and preferred placement of the object(s) and we will write them into our design.

How soon do you need materials to begin writing?
The sooner we can receive your materials, the faster we are able to turn your show back around to you.

How long does drill take to be written?
Our timeline varies depending on volume. Typical turnaround time is about 2 weeks. In April or May, this will usually be less. From time to time it may take a little longer. We will communicate this to you prior. We have NEVER kept a band director waiting to teach drill.

I have many specific drill requests. Can you customize the show to meet them?
Yes. Our job is ultimately to give you exactly what you want. We will do our best to cater to your specific design requests.

I’m designing my own drill, but I need help. Can you assist me?
We would be happy to provide you with flow charts. These charts break your show down into suggested pages and phrases complete with measure numbers and counts. We will also provide you with musical and guard staging ideas. Ideally, you will be able to write your own show by simply looking at our chart. The cost for flow charts for an entire show is $250.


Marching Band Music

What advantage is there to custom written music?
Imagine having the ability to produce a halftime show about whatever you want. All you have to do is pick the concept. You give us as much or as little insight you’d like and we’ll run with it to put together a competitive halftime show. With our custom written music package, you are able to ask for specific instrumentation needs. No matter the size or ability level of the ensemble, we can write you a show that creates excitement and sets you up for a successful season.

How is music pricing determined?
The cost of all of our prewritten shows is $2,500. The cost to commission your own custom show ranges from $2,500-$3,000. All commissions will include percussion writing as well. Commissioning your specific concept is subject to our approval.

Is your music available in SmartMusic?
Of course! We would be happy to convert any of our music into SmartMusic files. It is actually a very simple process, and a great
tool for directors to use.

How long does music take to be written?
Our timeline varies depending on volume. Typical turnaround time is about 4 weeks. In April or May, this will usually be less. Well-written music takes time. Once we are at capacity, we will begin turning people away.

I have weak sections in my band. Can you write accordingly?
Yes! Let us know your needs and we will do our best to meet them. We will gladly commission your music to specific range, instrumentation or technical ability.

Who is responsible for obtaining rights for arranged music?
All the music posted on our website is completely original and WE own the copyright. Therefore, you are in the clear. For anything that you would like arranged (which isn't public domain), the band director is responsible for obtaining all copyrights, permission to arrange, etc. This is to be taken very seriously. We will not be held responsible or knowingly work for any client who does not obtain the necessary clearance from a publisher. The time it takes to attain all copyrights and permissions varies from publisher to publisher. Please plan accordingly.

Color Guard

How does your color guard work come?
Guard work comes via DVD. One of our team members will design your custom written choreography and equipment work, and record it along with provided music. 

How do you determine pricing for color guard work?
Color guard work is $120 per minute, per piece of equipment or choreography. For example: If your show is 8 minutes long, however you layer flag and rifle for 2 minutes, then we would charge you for a total of 10 minutes ($1,200.00).

We use multiple pieces of equipment. What do you write for?
We have the ability to design for dance, standard flag (6 foot pole), swing flag, rife and saber.

Other

I’m designing my own show, but I need someone to consult with about my program. Can you help?
Yes. We would be happy to sit down with you and discuss your show concept and ideas. Typically, we charge a flat fee of $100 per designer for a local meeting and $200 for meetings further than 250 miles away.  We also require that you cover necessary transportation costs (mileage, airline tickets, hotel accommodations, etc.) for any meeting.

Are you available to judge contests?
Yes. Our fee is a minimum of $500 per judge, per event. We also require that you cover transportation costs (mileage, airline tickets, hotel accommodations, etc.) for any contest. Please move quickly. Our weekends fill up fast.

Are you available to come clinic my band program?
Yes. Pricing and availability vary depending on the time of year. In addition to our agreed upon fees, we also require that you cover transportaton costs (mileage, airline tickets, hotel accomidations, etc.) for any clinic. Call for details and pricing (706) 424-4104.