Getting a demo CD of an orchestral composition is ordinarily a difficult and very expensive matter.  By using the Summertios Orchestral/Concerto Program you can make it all simpler and less expensive.

The reason is, simply, we have already hired the orchestra, and have planned things so that each participant uses just as much orchestra time as he/she needs.  You do not have to hire an entire service (2.5 hours) if you only need an hour.

And we are already recording, so again, you share the cost with the other participants, using just what you need.

How does the program work?

You provide a score to the conductor, who will read it and consult with you, both about your intentions and about technical details of performing your composition.  For example,  he may recommend that you consider a different configuration of percussions, so as to make the work more practical to perform.

You will work with the conductor as he rehearses your composition.

We record your composition twice: once at final rehearsal and again at performance.  You may choose which recording you want as your demo disk. 

What may I record?

Any orchestral composition, provided the instrumentation is not too peculiar.  We will consult with you about whether your composition is suitable for our program.

What is the recording quality?

It will be clear, and suitable as a demo disk.  Samples of previously recorded works are available.  We do not have a contract with the orchestra to make professional recordings for commercial use.

Costs

The costs depend on what size orchestra you need and how much rehearsal and performance time you need.  You may also reserve additional consultation time with the conductor, who may be very helpful in fine tuning your composition to be as orchestra friendly as possible.

You will find these costs to be much less than alternatives you might consider.  Getting a demo disk for an orchestral work is usually much more trouble and expense than you will find here.

Costs include two hours of consultation with the conductor (including rehearsal time); room, board and facilities fees at the program.

How do I compute the costs for my composition.

You can determine your initial pricing by using the chart in the  Concerto Application . We usually set up the string section as 6-5-4-3-2, so you should figure on 20 strings, unless there is some specific reason to do otherwise.  For example, if you feel your composition would work fine with 5-4-3-2-1 you can request that.  Or if you feel a larger string section is needed you can make that adjustment.

To the strings add your wind, brass and percussion requirements.  Count doublers (a single player on two instruments) as 1.5 (that is how the orchestra charges it).  Finally, add 1 more to your total, as we use an orchestra librarian.  This is necessary because with so many different compositions someone must be dedicated to keeping track of the parts, and making sure each player has the right portfolio at each rehearsal.

With all that said, the costs can vary from the chart.  An example would be  if your composition requires special instruments, which can involve rental costs.  Another  example is if we cannot share your doubler  or special instrument with other compositions --  you may have to pick up the full charge.   Extras are charged to you at our cost, and our experience is that it is usually measured in hundreds of dollars.  It is not ordinarily a huge percentage increase over the basic cost.   You will be given final pricing after we receive your score. 

You may contact us any time for help with the pricing: Talk to us