Public Domain can be your friend

When I was chosen to be the Associate Conductor of the Athens Symphony, I knew one of my jobs was to study every score that we were performing in case something happened and I had to step into a rehearsal or performance. And I was excited, because that also meant that my library was going to grow! But then reality hit. Scores are expensive! There was one score that was $45! There was a possibility that I could be spending $200 a concert on scores!

But then I was introduced to the Petrucci Music Library, or imslp.org. This is an AMAZING site that hosts almost everything that is in the public domain. Thinking of doing Beethoven's 7th ?symphony? Go to imslp.org and look at the entire score!

But what some orchestras to is go to the site and download all the parts for their players. This is greatm but I take it a step further. I download all the parts FOR ME. Why? Score study! I know many conductors who have the parts next to them when they study to check for errors. I am currently putting into finale Harold Schiffman's "Variations on Branchwater". But there are a few problems with the score, so I have asked Mr. Schiffman to sent me the parts.

There is also a downside to public domain. ERRORS!!! Different rehearsal markings. Changes in repeats (a first and second ending on the score, and just a repeat sign on the parts). Bad copies. Markings writtem on parts. The list goes on. One time the score to a piece was missing a page in the moddle of the piece! I made the page using finale and uploaded it so others would have it.

But back to the cost. I had four scores printed for a concert for a total cost of around $12. Yes, the covers are not as pretty, but I had them coil bound on heavy paper. They work wonderfully!

So public domain is a resourse. Use it to the your advantage and enjoy!