We Accept Top Dots Frequently Asked Questions Here are some of the most common questions we're asked. If there's something we haven't covered then please drop a line to dave@hands-on-midi.com or call us on 023 9278 3100. Q. What's the difference between the Single Player parts in Eb and Bb? A. None actually. The Eb part is just a transposition of the Bb part, so in those cases where the only front line instrument in the band is an Alto Sax, then all the important lines are covered. Furthermore, as most pro standard Trombone players can read 'Brass Band Treble', they could happily read the Bb (Trumpet/Tenor) version so we decided to forgo producing a bass clef version. Q. Why is there are there 6 different horn parts for a 4 piece horn section? A. For maximum compatability we have identified and named the four instruments in the Small Band (Standard) package as being ... Instrument 1 (Bb) - Default Trumpet Instrument 1 (Eb) - This is the Bb part transposed for Eb (Alto Sax) Instrument 2 (Eb) - Default Alto Sax Instrument 2 (Bb) - This is Eb part transposed for Bb (Tenor Sax) Instrument 3 (Bb) - Default Tenor Sax Instrument 4 - Default Trombone. One line up (and the most common) is Trumpet, Alto, Tenor, Trombone. However, The TopDots Small Band system enables our front line to be 'mixed and matched' allowing a variety of instrumental combinations to all work together. It is possible of course, to have all 6 parts played - if you have the right combination of players of course. Q. Are the Small Band horn parts the same as the Big Band horn parts? A. No. You cannot really use the first chair parts from a Big Band score and expect them to work in a small band line up. For instance, If you have just one trumpet player, leaving him screaming up into the upper register can sound really silly, and so very wrong. TopDots tastefully revoices all the small band horn parts so this doesn't happen. Q. What Key do you produce the arrangements in? A. We will always produce the chart in the record key but we'll also make a judgement call to see if there is a good reason to make a more 'key friendlier' version. For example if the original happens to be in 5 or 6 sharps or 5 or 6 flats, we might produce another version, up or down a semitone, to help those players who would struggle. Q. Do you produce Gender swapped versions? A. Yes, in the case where a male song would like to sung by a female, or vice-versa, we generalise and produce a gender altered version. If the starting key is in C we would opt for F or G as the new key. We do, of course, ensure that the instruments are double checked for range and suitability and this may mean that on occasions the voicing of the horn parts will need to be reworked. Q. Do Sax players have to double? A. Ideally yes, and maybe even treble. The standard double is for the Alto Sax player to play Clarinet and the Tenor Sax player to double Flute. We realise that not everyone doubles so we always cue (usually using a double stave part) these parts to be played by the Sax as well as the alternate instrument. Q. Do you cue the lead vocal part for the Rhythm section players as standard? A. Yes, often a player within the rhythm section is also the singer. Having the lead vocal cued in every part covers that situation. Q. Do your arrangements have fade outs? A. No. All TopDots arrangements have arranged endings. Q. Do your arrangements use TAB? A. No. All Guitar parts are written using standard notation. Q. Do your arrangements have solo's written out? A. Yes. All our arrangements have authentic note for note transcriptions of solos. Q. Do keyboard players have to play two keyboards at once? A. Not really but for a more authentic sound, playing two keyboards (sounds) simutaneously is preferred, however, all the parts can be selectively covered by one. Q. With the Educational package, is there any discount? A. Written orders from established educational institutions on header paper are eligable for a 15% discount on all arrangements. Q. Do you have any examples I can look at? A. Yes. The first page of the keyboard part of every arrangement can be downloaded to check suitability. Q. Can I have the arrangement in another key? A. Yes, of course but this does require a retypesetting setting fee of 50% of the product price if it's not the recorded key. This additional cost is for checking every instrument for its playing range and suitability. After a work has been transposed it will be included in the main library. Q. Can you produce custom arrangements? A. Yes. We can produce arrangements of your choice. Prices are based upon lineup, duration and complexity. Phone the office for details. Q. What other services do you offer? A. We can offer a full and comprehensive solution for a variety of situations. From Click track products, Backing tracks (with live players), Typesetting Re-Typesetting, the services we offer are extremely varied and diverse. Please phone Dave Clackett in the office to discuss your individual requirements. Q. What experience do you have in producing arrangements? A. TopDots is headed up by Dave Clackett. Dave served as a Flute/Tenor Sax and Clarinet player in HM Royal Marines Band Service and served on board HMY Britannia producing a considerable number of arrangements for Concert Band and Orchestra. After leaving the Royal Marines Dave served as Lead Alto on the QE2 writing a bulk of that bands repertiore, and after finishing with Cunard, Dave became a staff arranger for London Orchestions for many years until he left to form Hands On (part of DC Music). Dave is joined by other suitably qualified and experienced arrangers and musicians to bring you the finest and most well thought out range of arrangements available today. Q. Do you provide concert pitch or transposed scores? A. We produce transposed scores as the norm, but if you prefer a concert score then please let us know at the time of ordering.