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CONTACT
A. To contact Kathy Poulan (Office Manager), please call between the hours of 8 AM and 9 PM (Pacific Time). For those of you on the East coast, that’s 11 AM – 12 Midnight. Please do not call at 8 AM Eastern time as that is 5 AM here in California! Yes, we have received calls as early as 4:30 AM before! In turn, we will return calls prior to 9:00 PM in your local time zone. The studio and office are located at our home. The phone number is 559-299-5399 and feel free to call us any day of the week including Saturdays and Sundays.
Kathy can assist you with the following:
Show availability
Purchasing
Obtaining perusal scores
Obtaining recordings
Permission to Arrange or other copyright questions
Payment arrangements
Other questions that are not “music specific”
To contact me (Key Poulan), the preferred and fastest way is to use email. Feel free to contact me for “music specific” questions. For all other questions, I refer clients to my wife (Kathy). My email is always on when I am working. Entourage checks my email every 10 minutes and I typically respond quickly if I am at the computer which is more often the case than not. I prefer this method because I can complete a musical thought or idea without the interruption of a phone call. This allows me to be much more productive! If you call, Kathy will most likely try to answer any questions that you have without breaking my musical thought process. If you do not receive a response to an email within a couple of days, please try again as I might not have received it.Key Poulan: keypoulanmusic@earthlink.net
ORDERING
Q. When is the earliest that can I reserve or order a show?
A. For marching band, shows are available to be reserved on or after November 1 at 8:00 AM (Pacific Time). For indoor marching percussion, shows are available to be reserved on or after August 1 at 8:00 AM (Pacific Time).
Q. What information do you need when I order a show?
A. We need the following information when you are ready to place an order.
SCHOOL INFORMATION
School Name:
School Mailing Address:
(If PO Box, please also give street address for UPS shipping)
School City, State, Zip:
School Phone / Extension:
(If you have a direct band office line, that is preferred)
School FAX:
DIRECTOR INFORMATION
Who is the main director/contact for the marching band?:
Head Band Director Name:
Head Director Home Phone:
Head Director Mobile Phone:
Head Band Director Email (School):
Head Band Director Email (Home):
Assistant Band Director Name:
Asst. Director Home Phone:
Asst. Director Mobile Phone:
Asst. Band Director Email (School):
Asst. Band Director Email (Home):
BAND INFORMATION
What is you band's web site address?:
What Region (Texas Only) are you in?:
What Area (Texas Only) are you in?:
Number of Bass Drums you march:
CIRCUIT INFORMATION
Primary Competitive Circuit / Class:
What is you primary circuit's web site address?
Secondary Circuit / Class:
What is you secondary circuit's web site address?
Bands of America Event(s)? List all:
Any other special events?:
If this is your first time contacting Key Poulan Music, how did you hear about us?
Q. What do your shows cost?
A. Shows vary in price depending on what you are interested in. Please contact me by email for a quote. keypoulanmusic@earthlink.netQ. How flexible are you with payments?
A. As a former band director myself, I understand the cash flow problems that can exist at the end of a band's fiscal year. Although I prefer to be paid up front before I send out a show, I can be flexible. If necessary, I can even delay the due date on the billing until the upcoming fiscal school year. Bottom line, I am willing to do whatever it takes to make my works available to you and your band as quickly as possible!Q. Can I temporarily hold a show?
A. There are a few situations for which I will hold a show. I will hold a show while you are obtaining copyright clearance, while you are working on securing a P.O., or if you need a couple of days to finalize the selection with your design team.
GENERAL
Q. What do you recommend for bands that do not have trumpet players with a solid upper register?
A. When the 1st trumpet part gets high in my compositions, I tend to write divisi parts. The upper register pitches are completely optional and are geared for bands with players that can handle them. These “high notes” are typically at the major impact points so having trumpet players who can reach them is purely considered “icing” on the cake.Q. How would you describe your levels of difficulty?
A. Every composition or arrangement is designed to bring out the best sound possible! The level of the orchestrations is primarily Grade 3+ to 5. Most of the technical demands are written in the 1st parts. In virtually all cases, these works were originally commissioned by bands who wanted more depth than is currently available in stock charts.Medium: Generally Grade 3+ to 4
Medium-Difficult: Generally Grade 4-5
Difficult: Generally Grade 5Q. Can I get MIDI, Sibelius, or other electronic files?
A. I do not offer electronic files to anyone. This is a common procedure for most publishers. Piracy has been a huge problem and not sending out my "investment" via electronic form helps curb that significantly.Q. What do the wind scores and parts look like?
A. All marching band, drum corps, and indoor marching percussion scores are printed horizontally (landscape) on 8 ½” x 11” paper. Parts written prior to 2004 are also printed horizontally on standard 8 ½” x 11” paper. Works written in 2004 to present are printed vertically (portrait) on standard 8 ½” x 11” so they may fit comfortably in a student’s binder.Q. When I purchase a show, what period of time may I perform it?
A. Shows are to be used for one competitive season. If a group wishes to use music beyond one competitive season, additional permission is required.Q. What are the advantages of using one of your original works over an arrangement?
A. The most significant advantage of using a KPM work is the regional protection against show duplication that you receive automatically. If you use an arrangement of a famous work, bands right next door to you also have the opportunity to acquire a license for that same work. Under no circumstances will I send out music until I have the signed documentation. Please plan for the additional time required for the documentation to be processed by the publisher and ultimately be received by KPM.
Another advantage is that the original works are programmed with the competitive arena in mind. Pacing, exposures, impact points, velocity, variety, visual concepts, etc… are all well thought out and are completely designed for a competitive edge!Q. What do you mean by regional protection?
A. All KPM shows come with an automatic area of exclusivity so that you will not compete against the same show. The area that is covered varies from state to state or circuit to circuit as follows:
CALIFORNIA (WBA, SCSBOA, NORCAL, etc…)
Exclusivity is provided within one’s primary circuit (by class). You will be contacted by us if another group in your area is interested in purchasing a work that you have already chosen. After analyzing each group’s show schedule, we will collectively determine the likelihood of a conflict. The first group that purchases a work along with KPM will make the final decision.
NORTHEAST STATES (USSBA, TOB, MAC, etc…)
Exclusivity is provided within one’s primary circuit (by class). You will be contacted by us if another group in your area is interested in purchasing a work that you have already chosen. After analyzing each group’s show schedule, we will collectively determine the likelihood of a conflict. The first group that purchases a work along with KPM will make the final decision. Additional exclusivity will be considered for bands from different circuits that fall within 100 miles of one other.
TEXAS (UIL)
Exclusivity is by UIL region within your class.
(UIL “Area” exclusivity is available at an additional charge)
OTHER STATES
Exclusivity is typically provided statewide (by class). You will be contacted by us if another group in your area is interested in purchasing a work that you have already chosen. After analyzing each group’s show schedule, we will collectively determine the likelihood of a conflict. The first group that purchases a work along with KPM will make the final decision. Additional exclusivity will be considered for bands near state lines that fall within 100 miles of one other. Please let us know if your school is near a state line or if you tend to compete outside of your state!
BANDS OF AMERICA (BOA) &
WINTER GUARD INTERNATIONAL (WGI) EVENTS
Efforts are made to avoid duplication at BOA and WGI events. Please notify KPM if you are attending one of these events. We will do our best to avoid any duplication of a show within one’s class.
DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL (DCI) &
DRUM CORPS ASSOCIATES (DCA) EVENTS
All drum corps will be given complete exclusivity per competitive season.Q. I like to use a full Master Score that shows both wind and percussion scores simultaneously. How do you build a Master Score?
A. You will first need to purchase a 3-ring binder and some sheet protectors. I recommend the Avery heavyweight, clear, non-glare sheet protectors. Place the sheet protectors into the 3-ring binder and turn the binder 90 degrees clockwise. Place page 1 of the wind score into what is now the sheet protector on the top and place the corresponding percussion score page on the bottom. Continue the process until you are finished!Q. How much advance time do you need to compose a show?
A. Composing a show is an extremely lengthy process. In general, it takes three (3) times longer for me to compose a show than to arrange one. I prefer that all commissioned compositions be scheduled before February 14 (Valentines Day).Q. Do you have drill designers, percussion arrangers, guard choreographers, flag designers, and costume designers that you recommend?
A. My list of recommended designers, arrangers, and choreographers constantly changes. I will do my best to establish and update email addresses of these creative people. Please contact me for my latest list.Q. Do you have any videos or DVDs of your shows?
A. I do not distribute videos other than one video which includes all of the following shows:
In the Shadow of Dragons
Medusa
Pandora’s Box
Rise and of Rome, The
The cost of this video (VHS) is $25.00 delivered. (US addresses only)
RECORDINGS & PERUSAL SCORES
Q. On your web site, there are both live and computer-generated recordings. Are there live recordings available for all of your works?
A. Although we try to obtain quality live recordings for every show, we do not always get them. Be assured that when we receive a recording that meets a certain standard, we will replace the computer-generated recording with the live one.
Things that can prevent a live recording from being used:
1. Recording clarity
2. Balance issues based on microphone placement
3. Performance related issues
4. Liberties taken with the music (including altering the format)
5. Using 3rd party percussion arrangersQ. Several of your computer-generated recordings do not have complete or in some cases any percussion parts recorded. Can I hear the percussion parts?
A. We are working diligently to provide complete recordings (including all percussion parts) for all of my original works as well as public domain arrangements. Since Virtual Drumline 2 by Tapspace (http://www.tapspace.com/vdl2/) has been released, this process will be a priority for our company.Q. Can I view a sample (perusal) wind score of a particular show?
A. Wind perusal scores are available for viewing by interested band directors. In order to protect the originality of these works, the perusal scores show the odd pages only. This format allows a band director to see voicings, general ranges, and the level of difficulty. Wind perusal scores for my original works and public domain arrangements are available in a pdf format. I can send up to 3 perusal scores per inquiry. Email accounts should have adequate space to receive these larger files. In most cases, “free” accounts (such as hotmail, yahoo, etc…) do not provide adequate mailbox space to handle these files. In addition, some school servers have blocks on accepting larger files. If there is a question regarding what your inbox can handle, please supply KPM with a different account such as your home or another staff member’s email.
These wind perusal scores can be viewed with Adobe Acrobat Reader. For your free copy, click on the “Get Adobe Acrobat Reader Icon”Q. When I request a perusal score, does that automatically reserve that show for me?
A. No it does not. If you want to reserve a show, you need to contact me with the order.Q. Can I view a sample (perusal) percussion score of a particular show?
A. Percussion perusal scores are not available. Past instances of plagiarism and piracy have caused me to develop this policy in order to protect our percussion writers.Q. Can I distribute the mp3 files to my staff, students and others?
A. As far as mp3s are concerned, it is perfectly fine to copy, burn and distribute any of my personal compositions and public domain works. For that matter, I really appreciate the additional publicity!
PERCUSSION
Q. What about the percussion parts?
A. KPM provides percussion parts for all original compositions and public domain works at an additional charge above and beyond the cost of the wind scores and parts. Many of the arrangements of works requiring copyright clearance have also been completed and any of those works that need to be completed can be done so quickly.Q. Who are some of your percussion writers?
A. KPM is proud to work with many of the top writers in the industry. These include but are not limited to (alphabetically):
Leonard Bedoian
Mark Branson
Dan Bryan
Ariel Campos
Jim Casella
Nathan Eby
Gary Gill
Shawn Glyde
Jason Hall
Ralph Hardimon
Ralph Hicks
Allen Joanis
Scott Johnson
Brian Lowe
Steve Maldonado
Shawn McAnear
Phil Minnis
Dimitri Saliaris
Jim Weaver
We also welcome Bill Castillo as our main percussion programmer and recording engineer!Q. Why should I use percussion parts that are written by one of your percussion writers instead of using my own percussion staff?
A. The main reason I would recommend using a KPM certified percussion writer is because these writers are very familiar with my style of writing and know exactly what I want. The coordination between the wind composer and percussion composers can make or break the musical intent. If you are confident in your own percussion writer, I might suggest that you purchase the percussion scores/parts as a musical guide.Q. What percussion scoring do you use?
A. In many cases, we do a full and complete orchestration for the percussion section. A typical scenario for many of the works include the following instrumentation:
Glockenspiel / Crotales
Xylophone
Vibraphone 1
Vibraphone 2
Vibraphone 3
Marimba 1 (TC)
Marimba 2 (BC) (Could be lower end of Marimba 1)
Marimba 3 (TC)
Marimba 4 (BC) (Could be lower end Marimba 3)
Chimes
Timpani
Percussion 1 (All Mounted Cymbals: Susp, Splash, China, etc...)
Percussion 2 (All Pitched Misc Perc: Concert Toms, Temple Blocks, Brake Drums, Wood Blocks, etc...)
Percussion 3 (Toys: Wind Chimes, Effects, Bell Trees, Toys, etc...)
Percussion 4 (Impacts: Concert Bass, Tam Tam, etc...)
Snares
Tenors (Quints)
Basses (3 Bass Drums)
Basses (4 Bass Drums)
Basses (5 Bass Drums)
Cymbals (Field Cymbal Line)Q. The percussion orchestrations are pretty extensive in the front ensemble (pit). What do you recommend for bands with smaller front ensembles (pits)?
A. I recommend that you first eliminate the duplicate instruments such as Vibraphone 2 and 3, and Marimba 2, 3, and 4. If you need additional custom work in reducing the front ensemble to a specific number of players, KPM offers a customizing service for an additional fee.
ADJUSTMENTS & EDITING
Q. Can you make adjustments to shorten a longer marching band show so that it fits inside my circuit’s time limitations?
A. In many instances, most of my longer marching band shows have already been adapted to fit between 7 and 8 minutes. If you require additional modifications to a show, there may be a charge. Please contact me for details.Q. Can you simplify (water) or reduce the instrumentation of a specific wind book?
A. I can simplify (or water) or reduce the instrumentation of the wind scores of my original compositions or public domain works. This service is provided for an additional fee and may take a little time depending on the age of the work. Please contact me for more details.Q. Can I get you to alter one of your shows?
A. Any alterations to a show such as transitions, low brass part reductions, re-titling, or anything else that requires custom work, is possible at an additional charge. Please note that even simple “cuts” require a healthy amount of work especially when you factor in cleaning the music (separating collisions of various markings or revising the new rehearsal marks) as well as extracting and reformatting the new parts.Q. May we alter the titles of the show?
A. Yes! There are several groups who like to adjust titles so they fit a specific visual concept. Please choose alternate titles carefully. One group retitled my “Rise and Fall of Rome” show as “Stonehenge” which is also the name of a work by another composer. Consequently, the school had to prove that the work was in fact the “Rise and Fall of Rome” even though every printed program had it listed as “Stonehenge”. “Stonehenge” is difficult to get copyright clearance and the school district and myself had to spend a lot of time dealing with the lawyer who represents that particular composer. An interesting side note is that this scenario occurred 4 years after the piece was performed.Q. May our group take liberties with the music?
A. Absolutely! The most important part to being competitive is to have your group sound the best it possibly can. Editing and altering the music is a normal process with competitive ensembles. I’m sure that any altering of the music will be approached tastefully.
ARRANGEMENTS
Q. What is the procedure if I wish to purchase an arrangement?
A. If you are interested in purchasing an arrangement that is controlled by Alfred Publishing Co., Inc. (previously Warner Brothers Publications), Neil A. Kjos Music Company, or 3 of the 4 movements of Santa Clara’s “Pathways” show, I will clear the permission to arrange for you. Other publishing companies prefer that the band director secures the “permission to arrange” licensing. Most of the publishers have a web site with the directions on how to do this. Once I have received the signed documentation from the copyright holder, I can then send you music. Under no circumstances will I send out music until I have the signed documentation. Please plan for the additional time required for the documentation to be processed by the publisher and ultimately be received by KPM. Bands are responsible for the “permission to arrange” licensing fees.Q. Why do we need to get a “permission to arrange” license if the arrangement has already been made?
A. After being in the field of pageantry for many years, I have never seen one show done exactly the same. Technically, any adjustment or simple adaptation of a show (especially using different percussion arrangements) dictates that the arrangement is in fact, new. M By securing a “permission to arrange” license, you have insured that you are legally covered to edit any show as you see fit for your personal situation.Q. Do you have links to the specific publishing companies that you work with?
A. Here are the publishing companies who prefer that you get clearance directly through them:
Boosey & Hawkes: www.booseyandhawkes.com
C. Alan Music: www.c-alanpublications.com
Cirque du Soleil: www.cirquedusoleil.com
European American Music Distributers: www.eamdllc.com
Hinshaw Music: www.hinshawmusic.com
Manhattan Beach Music: www.manhattanbeachmusic.com
Oxford University Press: www.oup.com
Southern Music Company: www.southernmusic.com
Schirmer: www.schirmer.com
TRN: www.trnmusic.comQ. What form should I use when trying to obtain permission?
A. MENC provides a nice interactive standardized form. www.menc.orgQ. I am too busy to secure the “permission to arrange” license. Is there someone who can help me do this?
A. I would highly recommend Jeni Paulson at Copycat Licensing. She is an expert in the field and is a super person to work with. www.copycatlicensing.com
