Bill Locklear Custom Music LLC

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What kind of composition software do you use?
I use Finale^® Software, usually the very latest version.

What is the best way to contact Bill Locklear Custom Music?
I am available by email 24/7. Unless it’s a musical emergency, please call between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm eastern time.

How long have you been writing custom marching band music?
Over 30 years.

Can you provide references for your work?
I’m more than pleased to put you in touch with any of our satisfied clients. Please contact me for more information.

Music

I have strong and weak sections/players in my band, how do you accommodate me on this?
Every custom arrangement is written with your specific instrumentation and playing ability in mind.

We are a very small band; can you make us sound bigger?
While it is very difficult to compensate for the lack of tubas, trombones or baritones, I can provide arrangements that are customized for your instrumentation, thus making the voicing more effective and efficient.

How much input do I have concerning the finished product?
You can have as much or as little input as you want. It is strictly up to you.

Is all your music the same level of difficulty or are there variations?
Custom music orders are written to your groups playing ability. Each catalog selection has a level assigned to the piece.

Are re-writes included in the price of the custom show?
Rarely, if ever, are re-writes necessary. Minor changes like key changes or adjustments to an ending, etc., that can be quickly modified are available at no extra charge. Anything beyond this would need to be negotiated.

Is percussion scoring included with the shows?
In most cases no. Most of my clients prefer to have their own percussion writers do their charts. I am gradually aquiring a set of older shows that do have percussion scoring that are available for a special price. In addition, if you want me to "Sub-contract" the percussion scoring I have a group of very talented percussion writers that are available.

Can I view a sample score of something offered in your catalog?
It’s our goal to provide enough information to help you make the best decision possible. Piracy and file sharing makes sample scoring a risky situation. Some arrangers will not provide this service at all, no matter what. Our policy is to provide sample scoring on an individual basis and only to directors with “solid interest” in our music products/services.

What kind of assurance can you offer me that you won’t sell the same music to a band within my same circuit or competing area/state?
We make every effort to understand your area and where you are planning to perform and will not risk your dissatisfaction by agreeing to sell the same music to someone near where you are located or are planning to compete.

Can you provide "original music" for marching shows?
Absolutely! Contact me today to discuss your ideas, options, and time frame.

What would be the advantage of getting "original music" over custom arrangements?
There is no requirement for Permission to Arrange and there is no risk that another group will be doing the same show as you in any competition.

Where can I purchase your concert band compositions?
All my work is available from J.W. Pepper as well as from my publisher Arrangers’ Publishing Company.

Financial

How much will a custom marching band show cost?
My custom music services run $300 per finished minute of music as calculated using Final^®. For example, 7 minutes of custom music will run $2100. In addition to custom marching shows, we offer catalog shows that start at $1200. For those who want to mix and match titles, previously arranged pieces are available at a reduced rate beginning at $300/arrangement.

Is there any way that my band can save money on what we order?
Yes. All custom marching orders placed before February 24th will receive a discount.

What is required to place an order?
Verified Permission to Arrange (if required), your group information (including method of payment), and an email/verbal commitment on your part indicating which music we will be arranging for your group.

How can I justify the expense of custom arrangements to my band boosters or administration?
If your organization’s goals are to be competitive, then you will need music customized to highlight your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. We see our products and services as an “investment” for bands looking to raise the bar.

What are your terms of service?
Unless arranged in advance, payment is expected within 45 days of delivery.

Do you offer payment options?
Some bands have a budget year that begins in August/September. We are happy to accommodate your financial needs and negotiate a delayed payment IF WE KNOW IN ADVANCE. If no payment arrangements are negotiated in advance then payment is expected within 45 days.

Ordering/Delivery

How early can I place my order for the upcoming season?
Custom music orders for marching shows will be accepted beginning November 1st for the upcoming season.

What is the turnaround time for a custom marching show?
Once the order is placed, we will be able to tell you (within a 5-7 day cushion) when your order will be delivered. In the past, orders placed before May 15th have all been delivered before July 1st. Please allow additional time to secure permission to arrange. This verification must be provided before work begins on your show.

Are we required to purchase a whole show?
No. You may purchase as little or as much music as you wish.

What about large music files and sending them through email?
"Free" email accounts (such as yahoo, hotmail, gmail, etc.) most often do not provide enough space to support larger music files. In order for any files to be delivered to your group electronically, we will need a valid email address that will support the necessary size file. In addition, please make sure that your school does not have a block on larger size files if we are sending them to a school email address.

What is the turnaround time for a catalog order?
Once permission to arrange is received (if required), catalog orders are emailed/shipped within 2 business days.

Does ALL custom music require Permission to Arrange?
No. There are many works available in the “Public Domain” which make great arrangements for marching shows. Works listed in the public domain do not require copyright licensing. EVERYTHING ELSE, including most everything you would probably want to use, is under copyright protection and must be properly licensed to be used.

I plan to apply for the Permission to Arrange (or have already applied). Will you go ahead and begin my music to save time?
No. I will begin your show when the final documentation is received. Likewise, catalog orders will not be shipped until the paperwork is received. Contact me for more information.

If another band has already received PTA for one of your catalog shows, then why do I have to apply for PTA if we are doing the same music?
Permission to Arrange is granted to the user/performer of the creative works of others. The user/performer changes with each purchase of a catalog show. Also, in some instances permission is denied.

Do all of your catalog selections require permission to arrange?
We have several catalog selections that are in the public domain and are available for immediate delivery without having to secure permission to arrange. Contact me for more information.

How do I obtain copyright licensing/Permission to arrange?
MENC has avery good “Interactive Form”. Check it out if you want to obtain permissions yourself.

Is there someone that I could pay to handle this process for our group?
Copycat Music Licensing L.L.C.provides this service. They are the absolute best in the business. Their fee structure is very low in compariaon to the super service they provide and we heartily recommend them.