[HANASHIR:6213] Re: Words and Music

[Burton A. Zipser <zipmusic...>]

        Due to other activities I was unable to attend HN (and had 
not been aware of it in previous years0.
        For those who are interested in obtaining melodies presented 
at HN, I would suggest that there are several items of software 
available which allow a person to sing or play a melody (only one 
line at a time) which can then be viewed on a computer screen and 
then can be saved, or immediately printed out.
If an individual is able to create such a tape before coming to HN and make a
printed version of the words, it would be a simple task for someone 
to put together, either during or after the week is over, a notebook 
containing the items presented. The provider should take care of any 
copyright requirements in advance.
        If presentors are willing to create such tapes of their 
work(s), and provide a corrected copy of the melodies and words, the 
International Archive of Jewish Music (of which I am the director) 
would be happy to receive the various items and could supply them to 
interested parties at a nominal fee, which would cover the cost of 
photocopying, postage and handling, and a small premium (also known 
as a royalty), to the creator of the items.  The copyright laws would 
only apply if the person creating the song is using a poem which is 
still under copyright. However, that person should obtain permission 
to use the lyrics anyway.  In such instances, the person creating the 
words would also receive a premium which would be included in the 
price of the items being created.
        The items would remain in the Archive and could be accessed 
in succeeding years in case interest existed.  If the item were later 
to be published, the Archive would no longer provide copies of the 
words and music, although the Archival copy would be retained for 
reference purposes only.
        If this idea is attractive, someone on next year's HN 
committee should include a statement requesting presentors to 
participate in this fashion, since they would have to prepare the 
musical examples in advance (the existing software has difficulty 
recognizing two melodies simultaneously).  Please note that the 
Archive would not be creating sound versions, but only printed words 
and music with metronome markings.
        Those who may be interested in finding out about the software 
referenced above may contact me at <zipmusic (at) bignet(dot)net> and I will 
be happy to provide you with a list of compatible software and where 
you can obtain them. You should mention whether you use Macintosh or 
PC computers.
        As a plug for the Archive we will be creating a website by 
the beginning of 2001 which will list music which is available for 
choral groups and for instrumental groups. We require a copy to be in 
our Archive in order to be listed on the website, and can purchase 
items or accept donations of such items at any time.  The Archive is 
part of a recognized non-profit organization and such contributions 
may obtain charitable credit to the extent allowed by current law.
        If any of this helps anyone out, fine.  I will be attending 
the ACC/GTM conference in Los Angeles (June 26-28) if any of you 
would like to meet me and discuss these ideas at greater length.
                Burton A. Zipser, Director, Intl. Archive of Jewish Music

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