When You Don't Have Enough Musicians!

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January 27, 2010
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Customers have reported to MTI that a company not affiliated with MTI has approached MTI customers pitching its pre-recorded accompaniment tracks to be used in connection with MTI shows. There are a lot of good reasons to resist such a pitch, both artistically and from a legal standpoint (i.e., several authors have confirmed that the "karaoke" company has not obtained permission to make the tracks and has not paid any royalties to the authors). Qualitatively, though, I think the below letter from an MTI customer explains why better alternatives, like MTI's OrchExtra, should be explored. Enjoy: Thanks so much for your assistance today. I wanted to let you know what a resounding success our experience was in using OrchExtra. Im usually the musical director for our productions, and as such, am usually pretty dead-set against canned music. Brother, was I mistaken! OrchExtra was extremely effective, giving our (comparatively) small theater a full, rich Broadway sound. Cuts, cues, and pickups were all handled easily, as well as the ever-popular vamp til ready situation found often in live theater. The music did not sound fake or electronic, nor did it come across as recorded. Since tempo and orchestration are both customizable, the music followed the performers, just as it should. And I guess the real telling point was that no members of the audience made any comments to the negative about the music. Had there been any disconnect between the orchestrations and the live performers, wed have heard about it. So in the best tradition of good tech in a show..it mustve been right, because it didnt stand out. And because OrchExtra didnt stand out, our show DID! Thanks, again.
3 Answers

October 29, 2010
DREW: I am planning on using OrchExtra for Hairspray in the Spring, but am nervous as a cat! i would really like to talk with someone who has used it or even attend a performance in my area with a company that is using the OrchExtra.

October 29, 2010
As a writer, I would be more than annoyed at anyone taking my music, not paying me so much as a penny, while making money on my show and offering an inferior product. Again, as a writer, I would LOVE to be able to offer customizable, rich, full orchestration at a reasonable price. I want to see my plays performed, but I need to keep my audience satisfied and food on my table. OrchExtra does all that. Fly by night rip off artists don't do any of us any good.

January 28, 2010
Sounds like a pretty good solution. Personally, I also prefer live music, but if this works better, then go for it. It sure seemed like it went well.