Klarinet Archive - Posting 001084.txt from 1997/11

From: "BALDY" <comic@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Public domain and copyrights
Date: Sat, 29 Nov 1997 13:49:02 -0500

Craig,
Thanks for your response. Yes, it is illegal to copy music for band, except
in certain cicumstances. There is a small amount of copying that is allowed
under the Fair Use Provision of the law. The purpose of the copying has to
be for teaching or research purposes. This would not cover the Band
Director who is copying parts for the band. It would also be legal to copy
parts on an emergency basis, if (a big if) the music had been ordered and
had not arrived.

When you say no one is hurt you demonstrate the attitude of too many
people. Someone is hurt. The composer makes his living by writing and
selling the music. If you copy the music s/he does not receive royalties
and in essense you have taken money form him/her and the publisher. You
might think the publisher is a big company and it won't hurt them, and
maybe that is true. But think of it another way, if they had more money,
perhaps they would be better able to publish music that has a smaller
audience - like the clarinet ensembles everyone is looking for.

I write songs, plays, musicals, children's books and novels so I approach
this with a strong attitude toward intellectual property. It is, and has
been for many years, a hot button for me. I sometimes forget we must first
educate.

A good letter to read regarding this is:
http://www.ascap.com/artcommerce/galdston.html

Take care

Baldy

----------
> From: Craig E. G. Countryman <cegc@-----.net>
> To: klarinet@-----.us
> Subject: Re: Public domain and copyrights
> Date: Saturday, November 29, 1997 11:21 AM
>
> Well, whatever the case, Baldy, I wasn't aware it was a violation. But
> I suppose I could visit the Congressional website, and pull up the
> copyright law information. I just assumed that there was nothing wrong
> with it. It's just like every band director who makes copies of their
> concert band and marching band music. Isn't that illegal? It really
> doesn't hurt anyone though... and many people don't even know there's
> anything wrong with it.
>
> --
> Craig Countryman
> 1998 Florida 11th and 12th Grade All-State Band
> ICQ Uin: 1106304
>
> Point to Ponder:
>
> "The grand essentials to happiness in
> this life are something to do,
> something to love and something to hope for."
> -Joseph Addison