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Page 4 InCider Press November 2005 |
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Terry Nanninga, Bill Hanson, Steve Fisher, and Harvey Kiser are attending the Chapter Operations Training Seminar (COTS) in Omaha November 18 – 20. The classes presented relate to the different operational and program activities of the chapter and to our areas of interest. The operational classes are those dealing with the functions of president, secretary and treasurer.
The other classes are more program-oriented such as: chapter development, marketing and public relations, music and performance, and young men in harmony (YMIH). The latter one provides insight and the tools on how we can introduce and attract young men into the joys and hobby of singing, and in our case, preserve this wonderful hobby of barbershop singing for future generations
If the experience is anything from what I experienced from attending previous COTS, you will find four guys returning from COTS generated with new enthusiasm.
Harvey Kiser, VP, Marketing and Public Relations |
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Members Going to COTS |
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Would you like to copy a practice tape or sheet music of one of the songs being learned by the chapter? This is not permitted without first obtaining permission from the copyright owner and/or paying a royalty fee. A member may record only for his use a song performed by the chorus or by a quartet and to use that only as his practice tape. Also, sheet music is not to be duplicated unless the copyright has expired and the music is in the public domain.
For anyone to make a copy of a tape or sheet music is a violation of the copyright law unless a royalty fee has been paid. Penalties for violations include arranging, selling an arrangement, copying a tape or photocopying without permission. Penalties can range from $20,000 to $100,000 per copy.
Our chapter has purchased from the Society, a part dominant tape (one each for tenor, lead, baritone and bass) for the songs we are learning. These tapes are being circulated among the members. On the learning tape it says we are not to reproduce or copy it. Also, the chapter can arrange to pay a royalty fee to duplicate a practice tape recording. This cost for us is equivalent to at least $1.05 per person per song.
So what does all this mean to each member? We may not make a written arrangement of a copyrighted work without permission of the copyright holder. An arrangement becomes the property of the copyright holder, not the arranger. We may not copy a song, lyric or other creation if it bears a copyright date and name, but even then if you do not see a copyright notice, don’t assume it is legal to copy it.
We are not permitted to tape for duplication and distribution unauthorized recorded material. We may perform a song/arrangement that has been legally obtained. Our chapter pays every year an ASC (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) fee for the right to perform the songs at our spring show).
In conclusion, the copyright law is very inclusive. This law gives the following exclusive rights to the copyright owner, who may be the writer of a song or someone who has been assigned ownership, such as a publisher or an estate, through contractual agreements.
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Do You Want to Copy Music Tapes or Sheet Music? |
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The last time I checked, the fine for illegal copies was $10,000 PER infraction. Further more….if you believe ASCAP will not pursue illegal copies, know that a church was fined $10,000 per infraction, with the total fine exceeding $100,000 ! While incorporation may protect you individually, the chapter would have a responsibility should they find themselves being fined. It would pretty much put you “out of business” if they take all current assets and had a lien against future assets. I just don’t you want to think they wouldn’t bother with any small chapter. Hey……….$10,000 here, $10,000 there, next thing you know you’re talking some “serious” money ! J Byron Myers - CSD President |
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A Note of Concern from Our CSD President |