Frequently Asked Questions
General
A: By listing the show as “Medium and Medium Easy,” we think it will be easy to tweak the music to fit either grade level. We design our shows to be flexible so they can be adapted to your group’s ability and instrumentation. We customize every show package to fit your band’s specific needs. We start with a standard starting point and then start to water/beef and reduce/expand to meet your groups ability and instrumentation.
If we have a separate sample for each grade level, we’ll be happy to send it to you (we usually don’t separate grade level samples). Our customization forms can help guide you through the process, and you can find them here: Customization Forms.
For most bands, our basic packages cover all requests, but you may need a more advanced package if you require new material or significant percussion revisions.
A: You’ll usually receive your music within 24 hours of us receiving your signed contract.
A: No, you’ll receive your music as soon as we receive your signed contract. We do not require pre-payment for you to access your music
A: Yes, we’ll be happy to place a short hold on the show while you finalize the necessary permissions and paperwork.
A: The Ice Series is a great option, as it offers both a flex score and a traditional marching band score, specifically designed with smaller bands in mind. You should also check out the shows in our catalog labeled “Easy” and “Medium Easy,” which can be easily adapted for smaller bands.
A: No, they’re all unique. The shows have been designed by many different designers with many different formats. If it says a sample storyboard, that means you’ll receive more information when you get your show. If it doesn’t say sample and the entire thing is on there, that’s exactly what we have to offer. These storyboards can be very helpful to you and your team as you put your production together.
A: Yes, you can change the name to whatever you like.
A: Yes, you can change the theme to whatever you like.
A: Yes, we encourage you to be as creative as you like! Feel free to use our ideas or expand and change them—it’s your show!
A: Yes! For most of our shows, we have vector files that are perfect for your t-shirt makers. Occasionally, we may only have JPEG or PNG files, but we’ll always send what we have. You’re free to use these images for t-shirts, websites, and any other promotional materials for your season.
A: Most of the time, we have high-resolution files available for your use. If we don’t, we’ll provide whatever we have. In some cases, if a vendor has created the file, we may not be able to share it. Feel free to call or write us for more details.
A: We have established relationships with several vendors who can help, but you’re not required to use them—you’re free to work with any vendor of your choice.
Payment
A: No problem! We’ve seen every possible requirement from finance departments. We’re licensed to do business in many states, and if we’re not yet on your state’s list, we’ll be happy to get added
Important Payment Information:
- Payment within 60 days is preferred.
- Many schools pay us in the summer/fall.
- Please list your payment plan on the contract—we are flexible.
- Preferred payment method: checks.
- We also accept POs, ACH payments, and credit cards (credit card fees will be passed on to you).
- We prefer one payment, even if it’s later.
- A W9 form is included in your show’s Dropbox folder.
Packages
A: For most groups, the basic full winds and percussion package is the best option. It gives you the most flexibility, even if you have percussion writers. It gives your percussion writers a great place to start. If you’re looking to enhance your production further, consider adding the FX package. The FX package can add a new layer of creativity and impact to your show with additional sound effects and textures that complement your core instrumentation.
Click here to learn more about how to choose “the right” show package.
Click here to learn more about the steps to rent an original or public domain show.
A: The key difference is that the Scott Koter Signature Series (SKSS) gives you access to the expertise of Scott Koter, a DCI Hall of Fame inductee and six-time DCI champion designer. Scott leads the design process for these shows, providing you with world-class expertise at an accessible price point. Additionally, the SKSS package includes a one-hour consultation with Scott, typically mid-season, where you send a video of your performance, and he offers feedback on your progress. This unique consult and his direct involvement make the SKSS contract stand out from our regular show rental contracts. Scott has also contributed to many other shows, adding his influence throughout our catalog.
Copyrights
A: We prefer to handle most “permission to arrange” requests and will cover the cost upfront, adding it to your invoice without any additional service charge. If the copyright fee increases significantly beyond the quoted price and is out of your budget, you have the option to cancel the contract. Once we receive approval from the third-party publisher, we typically pay the fee within 24 hours, provided the cost matches or is lower than the original quote. Please note that files of third-party copyrighted music cannot be sent until the publisher grants approval and the fee is paid. If the permission process takes longer than expected, you may also cancel the contract for this reason. Approval timelines can range from same-day to up to 17 weeks. For an estimate, please call us or check tresonamusic.com.
A: We will send links to files usually within 24 hours of the permissions being approved and paid.
A: No, if we have created and control the rights of the music, no additional fees are required.
A: If your show contains third-party copyrights, we are only seeking “permission to arrange” (print rights). It does not include the rights for you to post videos online. That is a separate permission. Please contact us for further details.
If FMP controls the music (public domain/original), then you are permitted to do so.
Regional Exclusivity
A: We guarantee that you won’t see the show you’re performing at any contest you attend. Regional exclusivity depends on clients providing accurate information regarding the shows they plan to attend. We cannot be held responsible for incorrect or incomplete details. Please contact us before adding a show to your schedule.
A: We have you fill out a regional exclusivity form that lists all your contests.
Click here to view the exclusivity form.
Edits
A: Sure!
A: We need your edit requests ASAP, ideally within weeks of receiving your music.
A: Edits can take 4-5 weeks, depending on the time of year. Requests made in early spring usually take two weeks. We may not be available in August/September due to scheduling demands.
A: Wind edits like changing solos, reducing instrumentation, or reinforcing/doubling a weak section.
Click here to read more about edits.
FX
A: No, but it can really enhance your show.
A: No, just leave out the ones you dislike.
A: You can leave out all or part of the narration. In some states, a student may need to perform it live.
A: If available, we’ll include them for free (many of our shows do not have MainStage files). Contact us to check for availability.
A: On a limited basis—contact us to check availability.
Click Here to read more about FX.
Percussion
A: Pit sketches are melodic outlines created by the wind composer/arranger. They serve as a basic framework for the front ensemble but aren’t standalone parts. This is ideal for bands with their own experienced percussion arrangers.
A: Yes, we provide XML files and Finale, Sibelius, or MuseScore files for editing.
A: You’ll receive XML files and Finale, Sibelius, or MuseScore files.
A: Yes. If you need a pit only version, ask if one is already available or if we don’t have one …..we could create one for you (call and ask for details).
A: No problem! We can provide parts for any number of bass drums at no extra charge.
Click here to learn more about Percussion options.
Visual
A: Yes, we offer a full range of visual services from drill design, to color guard choreography, to band choreography. We do it all.
Answer: Yes, we provide custom services and everything is a la carte.
A: We ask you your delivery schedule, when you want each movement delivered, and schedule our writers and assign writers based on their schedules and yours to make sure everything lines up and things are delivered on time.
Contact us for a visual contract.
Custom
A: This is something we normally don’t do, but it’s worth an ask. It depends on which shows you’re asking about.
A: Well, maybe. We have a limited availability to do custom work, so it’s always worth an ask to see if we have the availability of doing a custom arrangement of a new movement in a show. The cost is significantly more. Contact us for the details.
A: Again, maybe. We have very limited spots because we have many returning clients, so we usually start to organize new custom shows in mid-November. Reach out in early November if you might be interested in doing a new show. You can ask at other times of year, but normally by Christmas we’re sort of all full. Contact us for more details about custom (it never hurts to ask).