Concert Library FAQs

• What catalogs does the R&H Concert Library represent?
• What types of concert titles does the R&H Concert Library offer?
• What do I do if I don’t know the R&H Concert Library repertoire and need to program a Pops concert?
• How do I know what version of a song I need?
• What if I’d like to rent a specific title or version of a song of yours but it’s not on the R&H Concert Library website?
• What rental materials are included in my order?
• Is there a charge if I want to order additional materials?
• What if I need fewer or more than 50 choral scores?
• What is the difference between a Rental Quote and a Rental License Agreement?
• How long will it take after I submit a rental request for me to receive a rental license agreement?
• I’d like to receive a perusal score for a Concert title. How do I go about doing that?
• We are looking to add theatrical elements to the R&H Concert portion of our performance. Do we need to let the Concert Library know of these plans? Also, what is the difference between Small (or Concert) Rights and Grand (or Theatrical) Rights?
• What’s the difference between rental fees and royalties?
• What is an ASCAP and/or BMI license and why have I been asked to provide my license numbers for these organizations
• Why are you asking for a deposit?
• What if I have further questions after reading this list of FAQs?

Theatrical FAQs

• Can I pay with a credit card?
• Can I pay with a PO?
• Can I fax over a PO or license?
• Can my cast be 18 for G2K?
• I am a middle school and filled out an application online for G2K and haven’t heard for you yet.
• What is the percussion break down I don’t see it on the website.
• How much do I have to put down to secure the rights?
• When is the remainder of my balance due?
• When will I receive my materials?
• By submitting an application does this mean I am locked into the contract?
• What can cause a show to be restricted?
• What does Non-exclusive rights mean?
• What constitutes damaged materials?
• I have booked my show and need to change information (dates, venue, tickets, etc.) pertaining to the license how do I go about doing this?
• How do I order additional materials and weeks?
• Why can't click on the LICENSE THIS SHOW button?
• Can I use articles posted on the website?
• What is a perusal?

What catalogs does the R&H Concert Library represent?

We represent the concert catalogs of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Rodgers & Hart, Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Irving Berlin as well as a select number of titles from the catalogs of Adam Guettel, Martin Charnin, Ricky Ian Gordon, Michel Legrand, Roger Miller, Mary Rodgers, Stephen Schwartz, Charles Strouse, Kurt Weill and others.

What types of concert titles does the R&H Concert Library offer?

The R&H Concert Library maintains and circulates a stock of the original, professional quality orchestrations of some of the greatest and most cherished musical theatre songs of the last century. Orchestrated by Robert Russell Bennett, Jack Holmes, Johnny Green, Jack Mason, Don Walker, David Cullen, Jonathan Tunick, just to name a few, these works are rich with depth, beauty and tone color. If the Concert Library represents an author or author group that you are interested in, it is very likely that we have the song from that author’s catalog that you are looking for. In the event that we don’t have an arrangement of one of our author’s songs readily available, we would be happy to do a search to see if one can be made available to you for your performance.

In addition to our vocal selections (which are all accompanied by pit-sized or symphony orchestra), we have a number of instrumental titles (medleys, suites, overtures, etc.) that make great additions to concert programs. Not only are these instrumental-only titles substantial in terms of duration and orchestration, but they require no vocalists, therefore alleviating the logistics of organizing the additional personnel. Some of our most popular instrumental titles are The Carousel Waltz (from Carousel), Victory At Sea Suite (and excerpts), Richard Rodgers Waltzes, Scenario For Orchestra (Themes from Show Boat), Slaughter On Tenth Avenue, South Pacific Symphonic Scenario, Symphonic Memories Of Roberta and Symphonic Suite From the Light In The Piazza.

We are always open to your orchestras proposing new concert ideas to us and we are currently creating new concert packages tailored to today’s orchestras’ needs. Some ideas in the pipeline are a full choral concert and children’s concert (daytime, school time, evening).

In addition to our full and half evening pre-assembled concert (small rights) programs, you can create your own full, half or partial concert. When putting together a concert program, please note that, in general, no more than four (and for some catalogs, three) songs from any one given show may be programmed on any one given concert. However, with some exceptions, there is no limit on the number of shows from which you can select songs to program on your concert. In the event that you wish to program more than the maximum number of songs permitted on any one concert, we would need to have your request, including all performance details (e.g. number of performances, performance dates, house information, average ticket price, average number of tickets sold, etc.) in writing. Please note that a written request from you does not guarantee that the rights will be made available.

What do I do if I don’t know the R&H Concert Library repertoire and need to program a Pops concert?

Call the R&H Concert Library for help. We can get you information on the various songs and versions of those songs, as well as make programming suggestions and tell you of the rights issues per song, catalog or geographical location.

You can also check out our website (www.rnh.com) where you can find details on the great majority of our Concert Library titles. If you don’t find a title on our website please give us a call at (212) 268-9300 or send us an email to (concert@rnh.com) and we’d be happy to assist you further.

Listening to recordings of Broadway cast albums of our shows or of compilation recordings of show tunes done by pops orchestras is also a great way to get acquainted with the songs in our catalogs.

How do I know what version of a song I need?

The R&H Concert Library rental titles are divided into 5 major groups (Concert Versions, Theatre Versions, Film Versions, Concert Band Versions and Concert Packages). You can go about choosing a version in a number of ways.

The first way is to select a version based on its orchestration. Sometimes a concert version of a song, with a standard symphonic instrumentation, is a better choice for a full orchestra concert than say, for example, a theatre version of a song. This is because pit orchestrations tend to have a smaller instrumentation and contain woodwind doublings that, although perfect for a pit orchestra setup, can be problematic for symphony wind sections that tend to only perform using the more standard symphonic doublings (e.g. flute/piccolo, oboe/English horn). When checking out our website song listings please note that for theatre, film and concert band versions we make an indication next to the title. In most cases, a song listing is the concert version if no indication is made.

Another way which may also be helpful is to check the key or vocal requirements of each version. Not every song in our catalog has alternate key options but some do and those alternate keys tend to be helpful, especially if your soloist would prefer to have a song in a lower or higher key.

Song details, along with many other helpful pieces of information can be found by visiting the Concert Library section of our website, www.rnh.com, and searching for the title(s) you wish to rent.

What if I’d like to rent a specific title or version of a song of yours but it’s not on the R&H Concert Library website?

When a particular version of a song is not found on our website you can feel free to send us an email at concert@rnh.com or give us a call at (212) 268-9300 to see if that version is available. We’d be happy to research it for you and, if it’s available, get you further information on the rental fees and term & conditions for that title.

What rental materials are included in my order?

Since the R&H Concert Library most usually handles rental orders where an orchestra is involved, our standard Performance Set includes, where applicable, 1 full score (when available) or piano conductor score, 1 piano/vocal score (or piano/conductor score) for each soloist and one rehearsal pianist, a complete set of orchestral materials (with a standard string count of 98765 regardless of version being rented), and up to 50 choral scores. If you wish to supplement the Performance Set with additional materials you can request that on your rental application.

Is there a charge if I want to order additional materials?

In most cases, yes. When you place your rental order, be sure to indicate what additional materials you will need. If you forget to indicate this information on your application or if you decide after you have submitted your application that you need additional materials, you will have an opportunity to request these additional materials on the Rental License Agreement once you receive it.

What if I need fewer or more than 50 choral scores?

Please let us know on each order exactly how many choral scores you will need for each title. Up to 50 choral scores are included in the standard rental (with no discount if you request fewer choral scores). In some cases however, shipping charges may be lower if fewer choral scores are shipped so we would like to suggest that when you place your rental order that you give us an accurate number of choral scores needed.

What is the difference between a Rental Quote and a Rental License Agreement?

At R&H they are basically the same thing. Upon receipt of a rental request, we will send you a rental quote (or a Rental License Agreement) which contains all of the Terms and Conditions of your rental with the R&H Concert Library. In most cases, we send out the Rental License Agreement right away so that our customers have all the information they need once they make a decision to go ahead with a rental. Once a customer has their Rental License Agreement, it’s a simple matter of signing it and returning it to us along with their payment in full. Once we receive a signed license and payment in full, we will confirm the accuracy of your order and book it.

By receiving a Rental Quote from the R&H Concert Library, there is no obligation on your part to enter into a Rental Agreement. However, once we receive a signed License from you, your organization will be responsible for adhering to all Terms and Conditions of that Rental Agreement.

How long will it take after I submit a rental request for me to receive a rental license agreement?

Generally, it takes 1-3 business days for us to get you a rental license agreement. We suggest that you wait at least that long before you contact us to check on the status of your order. If you would like your order to be considered for rush handling, we would need to know that at the time of application and additional handling fees may apply.

I’d like to receive a perusal score for a Concert title. How do I go about doing that?

The quickest way to get a perusal score from us is to send us an email at (concert@rnh.com). When you are contacting us, please be sure to let us know what title(s) (with specific versions and/or keys, where applicable) you would like to peruse and what your shipping address is. Please note that there is a shipping/handling charge of $16.00 for each perusal order and that there is a limit of 6 scores that you can peruse at one time.

We are looking to add theatrical elements to the R&H Concert portion of our performance. Do we need to let the Concert Library know of these plans? Also, what is the difference between Small (or Concert) Rights and Grand (or Theatrical) Rights?

Yes, we need to know what theatrical elements (staging, dialog, costuming, choreography, etc.) you are considering using so that we can determine which rights are applicable to and available for your performance. For straight-forward concert performances, small rights (or concert performing rights) are required and are covered by an ASCAP or BMI license that your organization may already have. If you don’t have a license with these performing rights societies then the R&H Concert Library can administer the Small Rights directly.

Grand (or Theatrical) Rights royalties, where applicable, are dealt with through the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization directly. A performance (or portion thereof) is considered to be of a Grand Rights nature (and subject, therefore, to Grand Rights licensing consideration) once any or all of the following are introduced into it: choreography, staging, costuming, dialog, scenery, etc.

For every performance of a title, only one of either Small Rights or Grand Rights royalties may be charged, not both.

What’s the difference between rental fees and royalties?

Rental fees are what you pay to cover the use of the music materials that you rent from the R&H Concert Library in connection with the execution of your performance(s). It’s like renting roller skates when you go to the roller rink. By renting roller skates, you have paid for the right to use the roller skates but have not yet paid for the admission to the roller rink.

A royalty (or performance rights fee) is what you pay to either a Performing Rights Society (like ASCAP or BMI) or to the R&H Concert Library directly in order to be able to perform the copyrighted works that you have programmed (Grand Rights royalties are payable to R&H directly). Using the roller rink scenario again, paying performance royalties is like paying for admission to the roller rink – once you have paid the admission fee you can actually now use the roller rink. To avoid doubt, for non-rental items (e.g. a sales item available through your local music dealer) you still must pay performance rights fees because you are still performing a copyrighted work. This situation would be similar to, again in the roller rink scenario, if you were to bring your own skates to the roller rink. Although you have your own skates, you still need to pay admission to get into the rink.

f your organization has a current ASCAP or BMI license please let us know what your license numbers are at the time you submit your application so that we can take that information into account when we are processing your order.

What is an ASCAP and/or BMI license and why have I been asked to provide my license numbers for these organizations?

ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Artists and Publishers) and BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) are the two largest performing rights societies in the United States. Where R&H Concert Library performances are concerned, these societies act on behalf of the Concert Library to handle the licensing of small rights (concert) performances and the collection of small rights royalties (performance rights fees) for the licensed performances. Organizations from choruses to community orchestras to major symphonies, among others, can contact these societies for more information on how to properly obtain a performance license. The most common types of licenses can be for a one-time concert or a license which covers all performances for a full season. If a musical organization does not have an ASCAP or BMI concert license, the R&H Concert Library can handle the licensing of the performance rights directly. When you are filling out your rental application please let us know if you wish to have us handle the performance royalties directly. Since ASCAP and BMI have completely different rosters of authors, one license cannot be used in place of another. So, if you have titles from both societies on your program then you will need to contact both societies to discuss the payment of the performance rights.

Why are you asking for a deposit?

The deposit is used to cover additional charges that post to your order after the initial payment has been made and your order has been booked. Examples of what charges would come out of your deposit are shipping & handling and late, missing and/or damaged materials fees. If the charges for the above additional items exceed the deposit amount then an invoice for the balance due would be generated and sent to you for remittance.

What if I have further questions after reading this list of FAQs?

Please feel free to give us a call at (212) 268-9300 at any time.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Unfortunately at this time we do not have the capability of accepting credit cards. We do accept checks drawn on a US bank, money order in US Funds.

Can I pay with a PO?

If you are with a school we are able to accept a PO to secure the rights but you have 10 days from the day your show closes to pay the order in full with a check or money order.

Can I fax over a PO or license?

We require the originally signed contract and PO. No copies or faxes are accepted.

Can my cast be 18 for G2K?

Our G2K series have an age cap of 14 years old. If your performers are 15 yrs old and over the G2K series is not available for those actors.

I am a middle school and filled out an application online for G2K and haven’t heard for you yet.

R&H Theatricals only licenses the G2K series to organizations and community theatres where the actors are 14yrs old or younger, if you are part of a school and have applied through our website, your request has been forwarded on to Hal Leonard for processing. You may contact them by visiting www.halleonard.com.

What is the percussion break down I don’t see it on the website.

The percussion parts for your particular title will be described on the license agreement. If you do not have a license agreement, please contact us by phone to discuss. You can reach us at 1(800) 400-8160 or 212-564-4000, email: theatre@rnh.com.

How much do I have to put down to secure the rights?

We require payment in full along with the signed contract” If you are unable to pay the full amount please contact one of our customer service reps at 1(800) 400-8160 or 212-564-4000, email: theatre@rnh.com.

When is the remainder of my balance due?

The remainder of the balance is due within ten days of your closing date.

When will I receive my materials?

As listed in your license agreement in Rider A, Section I: Basic Rental Delivery Date, your materials are set to arrive 8 weeks prior to your opening date for Amateur customers and 4 weeks prior to your opening date for Professional customers unless you have ordered additional rental weeks. To order additional rental weeks, please refer to Rider A, Section III: Additional Rental Weeks.

The costs:

Libretto Vocal Book 10-Pack : $12.50 per week
Orchestra Book: $10.00 per week
Piano/Vocal Score: $15.00 per week
Piano- Conductor Scores: $25.00 per week
Partitur- Full Score: $50.00 per week

You can book additional weeks by clicking MY R&H and then finding your booking under Organization Account

By submitting an application does this mean I am locked into the contract?

No, if your request is approved, you will receive a non-binding license agreement via email. If you decide not to secure the rights, no further steps need to be taken.

What can cause a show to be restricted?

A show can be restricted as a result of any of the following: professional activity or interest in an area, touring activity in an area, or extenuating rights issues.

What does Non-exclusive rights mean?

Amateur performance rights granted by R&H Theatricals are non-exclusive, which means that your ability to obtain performance rights for a show in your area has no bearing on other Amateur organizations, and vice versa.

What constitutes damaged materials?

Please refer to the terms & conditions of your contract for fees. Materials are considered damaged when returned with any of the following damages: un-erased, highlighted, dog eared, stained, visible pencil, pen or marker markings, stickers etc.

I have booked my show and need to change information (dates, venue, tickets, etc.) pertaining to the license how do I go about doing this?

Email the request to theatre@rnh.com. Please include your account number and current Organization information, as well as the old information included on the original application.

How do I order additional materials and weeks?

Put the request in writing via email (rnhtheatre@rnh.com) or Fax (212-268-1245) Please include your account number, Organization information and materials needed for additional weeks.

You can also place this request via snail mail to:
R&H Theatricals
229 West 28th Street
11th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Attn: Customer Service

Why can't click on the LICENSE THIS SHOW button?

Some of our shows are only available for licensing by certain customer types at this time. If you believe that the show you are looking at should be available to your organization. Please visit your MY R&H account and edit the information in your Organization profile. You may need to update your ORGANIZATION TYPE to accurately reflect your organization. If you have any questions please contact our customer service department at: (212) 541-6600, editor@rnh.com

Can I use articles posted on the website?

Yes. You may utlize any article listed on this website on our website as long as you provide credit to us and the author (if an author is listed on the article.) Your credit should read: "Article provided by Rodgers & Hammerstein, www.rnh.com. Written by: Author Name"

What is a perusal?

A perusal is a rental libretto for you to become acquainted with the show. We charge $16 for up to 3 perusal scripts. These scripts are for reading purposes only, are not to be copied and must be returned within 6 wks from the date you receive the perusals at the expense of the customer.

When you fill out an application for a perusal your account will be charged $16 and the materials will be sent out in the next available shipment.

If you have any questions regarding perusals you can email us at theatre@rnh.com