preparing sheet music for an accompanist.

[Marlene]

Posted: 5/15/06 at 5:28pm

I don’t normally audition when singing is involved, or I end up doing something acapella if I need to for school auditions. So my big question is how do you prepare sheet music for an accompanist, so everyone is happy at the end of the day? I don’t need to make any cuts, as I will likely be doing the entire song. But is it a pain in the ass for me to bring in one of those vocals/piano/guitar books and expect the accompanist to use it? Or will I get a go die glare because I’ve violated some major audition etiquette that I’m not aware of?

[HighlyUnrealistic]

Posted: 5/15/06 at 7:58pm

Photocopy it, holepunch it, and put it in a small black binder so the pages can be turned easily. And if you're nice to them, they'll be nice to you!

Updated On: 5/15/06 at 07:58 PM

[Marlene]

Posted: 5/15/06 at 8:11pm

Double sided or single sided copies?

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/16/06 at 12:39am

Stick with double-sided. That way its less pages for the pianist to turn, and it saves you paper.

[BroadwayBound5]

Posted: 5/16/06 at 11:05pm

Also, write the bpm, (60 bpm), and make sure anything that you do differently or special in the music is marked clearly. Also, if you want to keep your music safe, use clear slips, but make sure they are anti-gloss. Best of Luck!

-Price

[broadwayboy430]

Posted: 5/16/06 at 11:58pm

Single-side copy it (remember to use 8x14 paper or to minimize the music, as it is larger then standard paper) and lay it side by side. Scotch tape (horizonatlly) the top, mid, and bottom of each page, and when finished, fold over from the back. Lay it out for the pianist. As an accompanist for some auditions (when I am too busy to do the show) it is really appreciated. Others apprieciate this too. This lessens the need for page turning and akward pauses. And please mark the bpm.

tip: if you to this, the accompainst will take the blame if you mess up and start. it's a little insider thing that we like to do

[TobiasFinch]

Posted: 5/17/06 at 3:00pm

I do the same thing as broadwyboy430, except I use cardstock rather than plain paper. It's heavier and slightly thicker so it wont flop around or blow away.

[Marlene]

Posted: 5/17/06 at 4:39pm

broadwayboy, fold it like an accordian? I sort of like the sound of this since I can nonchalantly run into my mother's office one afternoon snag some heavy weight paper, and use the copy machine that prints large sheets and have some fun with the paper cutter. It just occured to me that sheet music is larger than letter sized paper.

BPM. The tempo? How do I erm, figure this out. It seems as if I will have to pay a little visit to either the band or choral teacher at my school and figure this stuff out. Oh the poor band that plays at our school musicals, no wonder we don't have real musicals and usually just have 5-ish musicians that do their own thing. Argh, I have to actually get around to pick up the score, and get this going.

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 5/18/06 at 6:48pm

Photocopy it, holepunch it, and put it in a small black binder so the pages can be turned easily. And if you're nice to them, they'll be nice to you!


yup do that.


As for tempo, I usually snap the tempo I want when I give the sheet music to the accompianist. I don't know if that's rude or whatever.... Updated On: 5/18/06 at 06:48 PM

[Marlene]

Posted: 5/21/06 at 1:55pm

Does anyone know what the metranome/bpm should be set at for Maybe I Like It This Way from the Lippa's Wild Party if I basically want it the same way it is on the cast recording?

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 5/21/06 at 3:18pm

Definitely do the binder version--double sided. There are people who will say the accordion version on cardstock, but the reality is that most accompanists HATE that. It falls off the piano a lot of the time.

Also, don't use plastic sheets for your pages--even the non-glare kind.

If you have a two page song (which would be one double sided page), go ahead and copy it single sided, but hole punch the first page on the right side so that you can open the binder and the whole song is right there.

Bottom line--there are many "rules" given on auditioning, but the reality is finding what works best for you. However, things like this DO affect someone else who is trying to make you look good, thus you'll want to do it in the way it would help them.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 5/21/06 at 5:02pm

Jerby, go back to your OWN board!

[Marlene]

Posted: 5/21/06 at 9:19pm

I have at least 5 pages depending on which song I end up doing.

Thanks for the help you guys and gals. :)

To shrink or not to shrink, that is the question. 8 x 11's or larger sheets?

Got to work out that tempo and I'm set. Well actually I have to finalize the song, I keep waivering. Regardless I found out that I'm in the program, but they'll probably put me in the singing challenged class. :) So it's all good.
Updated On: 5/21/06 at 09:19 PM

[Joshua488]

Posted: 5/22/06 at 9:42pm

I was told by an accompanist the following:

- Make single-sided copies.
- Place the copies into clear protective sleeves; MAKE SURE that the protective sleeves are NON-GLARE. (Placing the single-sided copies back-to-back in one protective sleeve is good.)
- Keep them in a binder.

The protective sleeves keep them from getting worn and they are easier to turn when playing the piano simultaneously. And the non-glare ones are a must.

ALSO!
Never snap your fingers at an accompanist when indicating tempo. It is considered very rude. You may tap your foot or clap your hands, but snapping is a no-no. (Also direct from an accompanist.) Updated On: 5/22/06 at 09:42 PM

[WhenURScrap]

Posted: 5/22/06 at 9:57pm

jrb_actor:

"" If you have a two page song (which would be one double sided page), go ahead and copy it single sided, but hole punch the first page on the right side so that you can open the binder and the whole song is right there. ""

I like that Idea!


Marlene:

"To shrink or not to shrink, that is the question. 8 x 11's or larger sheets?"

When I photocopy music I zoom OUT to 90% instead of 100%. It makes the whole page fit on the 8x11.

Also, Marlene:

"Got to work out that tempo and I'm set. Well actually I have to finalize the song, I keep waivering. Regardless I found out that I'm in the program, but they'll probably put me in the singing challenged class."

A good accomp. (spelling?!) would follow your tempo. That's what they are supposed to do ... accompany YOU. Not you accompany THEM.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 5/22/06 at 10:48pm

Joshua--that may be what that accompanist likes. And you should do what they like if possible when you know they will be playing. But, when you guys go to audition in NYC or for regional theatres--do it the way I have said:

Regular copy paper
Double sided (I was lovingly chided once because I brought a new song in single sided)
NO plastic sheets
In a Binder (black is best)

It is just the most universally accepted manner of doing this. Everyone I have seen at auditions in NYC does it this way.