Commission Process
Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band Arrangements Only
Click here if you decide you want one

Bring a unique sound to your ensemble with a custom arrangement tailored exactly to your students' skills and instrumentation.

 

I have commissioned twenty-one arrangements or compositions for jazz ensemble with almost all of them published and performed by professional big bands.  Several of the commissions linked to the publishers include those by Sammy Nestico (I Remember Clifford and Two Sides of the Coin), Bob Mintzer (Heart of the Matter), Gordon Goodwin (Whodunnit?), John Fedchock (J Birds), Matt Harris (North Shore Morning), Eric Richards (Pure Imagination), and Fred Sturm (Chronometry). The experience with working with so many commissioned composers has given me insight into the process of having music specifically designed for your ensemble.

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Here is how we will work together to create your piece:
 

1. Initial Consultation & Request
 

Click here to let me know more about the ensemble and what you are interested in having arranged...
 

• Jazz ensemble instrumentation and difficulty grade level

• Music you would like arranged

• Style and tempo (e.g., fast swing, ballad, funk, contemporary)

• Featured soloists or specific student strengths or other instruments you want to showcase (bassoon, flute, etc.)

• Woodwind doubles?

• Aux percussion? (vibes, marimba, congas, timbales, etc.)

• 1st trumpet and 1st trombone ranges

• If the guitar plays single lines or chords only 

• Timeline for delivery of the arrangement
   

2. Collaboration & Rate Agreement
 

We will discuss the pieces potential complexity, timeline, and pricing.

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• Flexible Pricing: Commission rates are negotiable to accommodate limited school budgets and how complex the arrangement will be.

• Charity Option: If you wish, a portion of the commission fee can be directed as a donation to one of the supported charities.
   

3. Review & Delivery

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Once the piece is finalized, you will receive:

• A full PDF score and all individual parts.

• An MP3 Finale playback track.

• Practice backing tracks for solo sections (if applicable).

• If you want a set of printed parts and score there will be an additional fee, plus printing and postage.
   

4. Performance Rights

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Your school receives exclusive performance rights to the custom chart for two school years. After this period, the piece may be added to my general catalog for other schools to purchase.