Film Music Competition

No - there is one percussionist and one timpanist (two different people!)

As regards percussion (I've been asked by many people about this): there is a drumkit (i.e. snare and bass, high hat, etc). However, I would recommend you notate each part separately, or suggest a beat (i.e. jazz beat, upbeat tempo) I'm sure the percussionist would be able to handle that. We have more or less the usual percussion instruments (triangle, woodblock, tambourine etc). We've actually come across a large single cymbal that when hit, sounds very much like a gong (it's really, really cool ). Maybe you might be interested in using that? We have chimes, though I think it's only those small ones and there's a range of around middle C to the C above that. They can be used to great affect in atmospheric sections.

I've asked around here and am glad to say, you can add a pianist to your score. But please, don't take this opportunity to make it a piano concerto! Thanks!

Also, I'm truly amazed at how quickly this competition has taken off. I was only expecting a trickle of interest. But sure, keep the word posted around.

When you mean not very strong players are you referring to that the musicains are not very good?

They're reasonably alright but strength is not great (i.e. how loud they can get). I think we have a few more violins coming along which may be able to boost their section - I hope this will please a few of you!

IN the orch. is it 18 people?
*EDIT*

Do you have to use the Alto Saxes?

Is that a must?

You must use everyone listed in the ensemble, which now includes a piano. So yes, Alto Saxes must be used. Suggestion: Treat them as if they were french horns!

What you can do, if you want, is write an oboe line and then transpose it out for alto sax if that makes it any easier.

As regards number, we have *thinks* just over 30 people I'd say in the orchestra.

You must use everyone listed in the ensemble, which now includes a piano. So yes, Alto Saxes must be used. Suggestion: Treat them as if they were french horns!

Man, I mean you guys can't just put anything you want

btw. do I need to use 2 saxes???

Man, I mean you guys can't just put anything you want

We're being really mean aren't we ?

The altos, you can write one or two lines. Whatever you feel like.

...I kind of like the alto sax sound in a small orchestra like this. so far, I'm treating them like much more agile horns!

Anyone into their pieces? Don't give away a lot of details, but updates might be nice from the composers, here and there.

Me? I've got a good introduction. I'm doing a suite, in a certain movie music style.

You must use everyone listed in the ensemble, which now includes a piano. So yes, Alto Saxes must be used.

I don't think I can add percussion and piano without making the work I intended to use sound silly.
I could have pulled it off as it was and with a timpani, but not piano and percussion. I think I may have to sit this one out. You can leave my name up as an entry, but I may not submit a work now.

I will NOT be writing for piano. If it is necessary to add one, you can remove me from the competition.