How Do Marching Bands Afford Licenses? A Guide to Funding Music Programs
How Much Do Marching Band Licenses Cost?
Marching band licensing costs can range from $200 to $600 per song, with some licensing fees exceeding $1,000 for a single song. A band program could easily spend $2,000 or more on licensing alone for an average 7-8 minute show featuring multiple songs. This cost is separate from fees for custom arrangements, drill design, choreography, or other show elements, making it a considerable part of the band’s budget.
The fees get even trickier when creating a medley: The overall medley fee is calculated based on the most expensive piece included. One copyrighted song with a heftier licensing fee could significantly impact the final cost. Here’s why: When you combine multiple songs in a medley, publishers typically charge the highest individual licensing rate for all pieces in the arrangement. For example, suppose you combine three songs with licensing fees of $200, $300, and $600. In that case, you’ll likely pay $600 for each song, bringing your total medley licensing cost to $1,800.
These music licensing fees can quickly add up for an entire marching show, leading many directors to question how marching bands can afford licenses and their other operational costs. Before diving into funding solutions, it’s essential to understand the context and background surrounding music permissions, specifically what arrangement licenses entail and why they’re necessary under copyright laws.
Music publishers grant permission for arrangements, and failing to secure such permissions can have serious legal implications.
Why Music Licensing is Necessary
Marching band music licenses are essential for legally arranging and performing music during your show. The most common license that marching bands need is an Arrangement License. This license allows bands to create custom arrangements or modify existing music for their specific performance needs. The Music Publishers Association plays a crucial role in guiding musicians through the legalities of securing rights from copyright owners, especially when creating arrangements for bands.
Other types of licenses include:
- Performance Licenses: These are required to legally perform copyrighted music at public events, such as football games or competitions. However, the organization hosting the event, such as the school or competition organizers, typically oversees these licenses directly, so marching bands don’t have to manage them.
- Synchronization Licenses: A synchronization license is needed if the band plans to record and distribute their performances (such as uploading to social media or creating DVDs). Event organizers, rather than the band itself, generally manage synchronization licenses, just as they do with performance licenses.
Understanding these licensing requirements is crucial for ensuring compliance and avoiding copyright issues. While a band may need multiple licenses, the Arrangement License is often the critical responsibility of marching band directors. It is important to distinguish between music that is in the public domain and published music, as obtaining permission from copyright owners is necessary for any arrangements made from copyrighted works.
Do I Need Copyright Permission for My Marching Band Show?
Yes, to legally arrange or adapt copyrighted material for your show, you must get copyright permission via obtaining licenses before creating musical arrangements. Understanding and adhering to copyright laws is crucial when arranging music, as it ensures you have the necessary permissions and avoid potential legal penalties. To allow time for the publisher to process your request, submit it at least eight weeks before you begin arranging. Don’t wait until your show is thoroughly planned; submit your request as early as possible, ideally before you commit to your final concept and content.
There are online resources, such as TRESONA, that can help you check and manage the licensing status of most music. However, their database could be more comprehensive. If you receive a “permissions denied or unavailable” result, it may be because TRESONA does not have an agreement with that specific publisher. In such cases, contacting the publisher directly is best to obtain permission.
When Do You Need an Arrangement License?
You need an arrangement license whenever your band adapts published music that is still under copyright. Most music composed in the past century is copyrighted, and arranging it without proper licensing can have legal consequences. On the other hand, music in the public domain—older works whose copyright has expired—can be arranged freely without needing a license.
Suppose you purchase a marching band arrangement from a publisher like Hal Leonard and perform it exactly as written. In that case, you do not need an additional license—your original purchase covers this. You can also transpose parts for different instruments without further permission.
However, you will need a custom arrangement license if you alter the music by rearranging it, combining pieces, remixing, or creating mashups. Generally, permission from the copyright owner is required when a high school, university, or other group creates a custom arrangement of a copyrighted song. Music publishers grant permission for custom arrangements, ensuring compliance with copyright laws.
Now that we understand when arrangement licenses are needed, the next crucial question emerges: How do bands manage these significant expenses and afford licenses? With custom arrangement licenses potentially costing thousands of dollars per show, many band directors face balancing artistic vision with financial reality.
How Do Marching Bands Afford Licenses?
Common Funding Sources for Marching Bands
The ability for a marching band to afford licenses for their marching band show depends on many factors, such as the size of their program, available funding sources, community support, and administrative budget allocation. Successful band programs typically rely on a combination of school funding, booster organizations, fundraising initiatives, and careful financial planning to meet these substantial licensing costs.
Marching bands bring music to life with captivating performances. Still, directors face a critical challenge: managing the ever-increasing music licensing costs. With fees adding up quickly, many programs need help to balance these expenses against other essential needs. This guide will explore how marching bands can effectively fund their music programs, focusing on the often-overlooked cost of arrangement licenses.
Allocated Budgets and the Power of Booster Clubs
Tapping into Community Support: Sponsorships and Donations
Marching bands hold a special place in the hearts of their communities. Recognizing this, band directors often leverage this goodwill to offset licensing expenses through strategic partnerships with local businesses. Recognizing the value of supporting their community and aligning their brand with school spirit, local businesses may offer generous sponsorships or donations. These sponsorships and donations provide a much-needed boost to fundraising goals. This financial backing can mean the difference between having to cut corners and delivering a genuinely spectacular marching band performance.
Grants & Scholarships
Various grants are available for music programs. Organizations like VH1 Save the Music Foundation or Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation offer grants that can help fund instruments, music, or even licensing fees. Researching and applying for these grants can significantly boost a marching band’s budget.
Planning for Music Licensing Fees in Your Marching Band Budget
Annual Budgeting
Including music licensing fees in your yearly budget is crucial to avoiding financial surprises. Estimating the costs for musical arrangements and associated licensing fees will help ensure you’re financially prepared to bring your musical vision to life without last-minute funding scrambles. By budgeting for these expenses ahead of time, you can allocate resources effectively and make informed decisions about your band’s financial priorities.
Fundraising Strategy
Develop a comprehensive, year-long fundraising plan that covers significant expenses like uniforms, travel, equipment, and music licensing fees. Designating specific fundraising events or campaigns for music licensing ensures you recognize these essential costs in the broader scope of your band’s financial needs. With a focused fundraising effort, you can secure the funds needed for music licensing without cutting into other budget areas.
Donor Relations
Building strong, long-term relationships with donors is vital to sustaining your band’s financial health. Keep donors updated on the band’s progress and offer recognition at performances to show appreciation for their support. Consider inviting donors to special events or performances to strengthen their connection with the band. Personalizing your engagement with donors can lead to consistent, long-term support, helping ensure the financial stability needed to cover expenses like music licensing.
By incorporating music licensing fees into your annual budget, creating a targeted fundraising strategy, and nurturing donor relationships, you can focus on what matters most—creating an exceptional musical experience for your performers and audience.
Unlocking Affordability: Tips for Saving Money on Marching Band Music Licensing
Practical Solutions for Budget-Conscious Band Directors
When figuring out how marching bands afford licenses, savvy band directors know that sometimes, the most significant savings come from creative strategizing. Thinking outside the box is vital to having a successful band program.
Tip #1: Exploring the Wonders of Public Domain Music: A Treasure Trove of Royalty-Free Gems
Do you know timeless classics by composers like Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart no longer fall under copyright law? These masterpieces are now part of the public domain, ripe for the picking by budget-conscious bands. Imagine crafting a showstopping routine set to a breathtaking classical masterpiece. Embracing public domain music allows marching bands to showcase their creativity and musicianship. Utilizing these often-forgotten gems adds class to any performance without driving up costs.
Tip #2: Thinking Outside the Box with Original Compositions: Tailoring Music to Your Program’s Needs
Commissioning an up-and-coming or local composer to create an original piece for your marching band might be surprisingly cost-effective. Think about it: You get a piece uniquely tailored to your band’s size, skill level, and show theme. You will receive a level of customization and creative ownership that’s tough to beat, eliminating licensing fees and providing a platform for emerging talent, nurturing the next generation of musical geniuses.
Tip #3: Making Strategic Choices When Building Medleys
Medleys are fun to watch. As we discussed earlier, they can rack up licensing costs quickly if you need to be more careful. A clever way to manage the costs is by selecting a mix of high-licensing-fee favorites alongside more affordable tracks. This balanced approach brings crowd-pleasing energy to the field without exceeding budget limitations. Marching band music can excite the crowd during football games, so it is always nice to include some popular tunes.
Tip #4: Mastering the Art of Negotiation
Don’t be shy. Many copyright owners, especially those passionate about music education, offer discounts to marching bands. Approach music publishers with a respectful request, outlining your budget limitations and the program’s educational value. You never know. Open communication and a well-crafted argument might open doors to more affordable options. You might also receive a lower price if you license many individual songs. The band director or program coordinator often contacts the rights organization to begin these conversations.
Success Stories
Many examples of bands have successfully funded their music licensing fees through creative approaches. Whether through persistent fundraising, generous community support, or smart budgeting, these bands prove that it’s possible to answer the question, “How do marching bands afford licenses?” For example, one school successfully crowdfunded enough to cover their entire season’s licensing fees by engaging alums and using digital fundraising platforms.
Conclusion
Licensing music for your marching band is a daunting financial hurdle. Still, it’s possible to meet these costs with the right strategies while maintaining your program. By planning, leveraging community support, and employing creative fundraising strategies, you can ensure that your band secures the marching band music licenses it needs. Now that you understand how marching bands afford licenses, better start building your funding strategy and make music the centerpiece of your next show.
FAQs About Marching Band Music Licensing
What Are the Least Expensive Songs to License for Marching Bands?
Typically, the least expensive marching band music to license includes older or less mainstream pieces and music available in the public domain (where no licensing fees are required). However, the cost to license music for marching bands can vary significantly based on several factors, including the genre, popularity, and publishing company.
Here’s a breakdown of general cost ranges for different types of music:
- Popular Music (Pop/Rock): Licensing current pop songs can range from $200 to $600 per song. Pop music is often in high demand, so licensing fees can increase, especially for well-known chart-toppers. However, some lesser-known pop songs may fall on the lower end of the spectrum.
- Contemporary Wind Band or Orchestral Music: Arranging contemporary wind band or orchestral music typically costs between $300 and $600. This music can be more complex, and fees can vary depending on the composer and the licensing arrangements. European publishers, in particular, often charge higher fees due to international licensing agreements and demand for certain composers.
- Public Domain Music: Music in the public domain, such as classical works by composers whose copyrights usually expire after 70 years, does not require licensing fees. Using public domain music can be an excellent choice for bands on a budget. However, if a contemporary composer has created a new arrangement of a public domain work, that specific arrangement may still require licensing. Therefore, verifying the copyright status of the composition and the arrangement is essential before proceeding.
Remember that fees can fluctuate based on the song’s popularity, the specific publisher, and whether you plan to perform the piece in competitive or non-competitive events. Some publishers or rights holders may offer discounts for educational purposes or community-based bands. Always check directly with the publisher or licensing service to get accurate costs for the music you’re interested in.
What is the Public Domain, especially regarding creating arrangements for Marching Band?
The public domain refers to creative works no longer under copyright protection, either because the copyright has expired or the creator has intentionally released the work into the public domain. Once a piece of music enters the public domain, it is free to use, adapt, arrange, and perform without permission or payment of licensing fees.
For marching bands, if a piece of music is in the public domain, you can legally create your arrangement without obtaining an arrangement license. Public domain music typically includes older works, particularly those composed before a specific date—currently, works published before 1930 in the U.S. are in the public domain. However, this date shifts as more works age out of copyright protection.
The year that works enter the public domain depends on when they were originally published or released:
- Works published before 1930: Entered the public domain on January 1, 2025
- Works published in 1930: Will enter the public domain on January 1, 2026
- Works published after January 1, 1978: Enter the public domain 70 years after the author’s death
- Anonymous works and works made for hire published after January 1, 1978: Enter the public domain 95 years after the author’s death or 120 years after publication, whichever comes first.
Using public domain music can be a great cost-saving option for bands looking to avoid licensing fees, especially if they are interested in classical or traditional works. However, a modern arrangement of a public domain piece is copyrighted (for example, a new orchestration of Beethoven’s works). You will still need permission to use that specific version. Only the original version, not the modern arrangement, is free.
In summary, creating arrangements from public domain music allows marching bands to legally adapt older works without navigating the copyright and licensing process, offering more flexibility and fewer costs. However, verifying that your composition and specific arrangement are in the public domain is essential.
How Do Marching Bands Get Permission to “Cover” Songs?
Marching bands don’t “cover” songs like pop or rock bands do; instead, they create arrangements of existing music. To legally get permission to perform these arrangements, bands must obtain an arrangement license.
How Do Marching Bands Get Permission to Arrange Music?
Marching bands can obtain permission to arrange music in several ways, primarily by contacting the music publisher directly or using a third-party service that manages the licensing process.
Most music publishers don’t process permission requests; instead, they direct you to companies like TRESONA, which handles music licensing for marching bands and other performance groups. TRESONA simplifies the process, making requesting and securing an arrangement license for copyrighted music easier. While their service does add to the overall cost, TRESONA is known for being efficient and often gets requests approved faster than going through the publishers directly.
Sometimes, publishers still handle arrangement requests directly, but this can be a slower process. Contacting the publisher may take longer, as their primary focus is often on distributing and managing their catalog rather than quickly processing licensing requests. Bands seeking permission for arrangements should account for these delays when planning their show.
Ultimately, whether you use a service like TRESONA or deal directly with the publisher, you must plan and submit your requests early—typically at least eight weeks before you start arranging the music.
Can I Borrow or Buy an Arrangement, which Requires Licensing, from Another Organization or Arranger?
No, you cannot. Licensing is granted to a specific organization and is non-transferable. When a marching band or organization obtains an arrangement license, it is for their exclusive use, meaning the arrangement cannot legally be shared, borrowed, or purchased by another group. Each organization must obtain its license to create or use an arrangement of copyrighted material. Attempting to use someone else’s licensed arrangement without proper permission would violate copyright law, putting your band at risk of legal consequences. Always ensure your band secures its license directly from the copyright holder.
Do marching bands pay royalties for the songs they use?
Technically, marching bands do not pay royalties for most of the songs they use. Instead of royalties, they typically pay for arrangement licenses to adapt copyrighted music into a marching band format. An arrangement license allows marching bands to create a custom version of the song suitable for their performances. The one-time fee for the arrangement license grants the band permission to use the song in live performances, like at football games or competitions. These licenses are usually obtained through a publishing company or multiple publishing companies, which oversee the rights to the music. Still, it doesn’t typically involve ongoing royalties unless the music is recorded or streamed.
In cases where the band’s performance is recorded, such as for a live stream, a synchronization license may be required, and the organization hosting the event, like a school or competition, usually handles that. Additionally, marching bands often don’t need to worry about performance licenses because the event organizers also manage these.
Ultimately, while royalties may not apply in most cases for marching bands, obtaining the correct licenses is still essential to legally perform copyrighted music.
What is Marching Monk?
Marching Monk helps busy and overwhelmed band directors easily lead successful marching seasons by providing each component of your show in one place.
Start with a consultation to get help choosing your show, or browse all of our marching band shows here. You can sort by Mood, Difficulty Level, and more.