Music Licensing Information


Permission to Arrange

Each band MUST have permission from the copyright holder to arrange and perform a song. This is the first step in order to be able to attain permission to capture and sell video or audio recordings of your group.

WBA has made available the services of CopyCat Music Licensing, LLC. CopyCat Music Licensing offers a service where they will research the copyright owners, apply for permission and track the status of requests for all the songs in your show. The service does not include any fees charged by the copyright owners for the license. However, they will act as the "go-between" for your band and copyright owners. Through the Copyright Licensing Service, the company negotiates and requests license agreements directly with music publishers and copyright owners on your band's behalf. All licenses obtained are issued directly to the band and any fees payable will be owed to the copyright owner directly.


Each Band can also obtain licenses on its own. Please give yourself at least 6-8 weeks to gain permission before you start arranging so there are no surprises. WBA this year is asking for proof of permission to arrange whether you intend to do this on your own or use another service.

If you are doing original music we encourage you to have the composer sign a permission of use request. . It will allow you to use the composition at WBA marching band competitions. This should be used primarily if the band director or hired staff are writing a composition exclusively for your band. If you are using a company that is in the business of musical compositions, most likely WBA will have to get the video sync clearance and this form is not applicable.


What IS proof of permission?

    A signed license agreement from the copyright owner, or a letter of permission from the composer if you’re working with the composer directly.

What is NOT proof of permission?

    1. An unsigned MPA form. (see link here http://www.mpa.org/copyright_resource_center/forms for the form recommended by MPA) This form MUST be signed by the publisher in order for it to be acceptable proof of licensing. Most publishers have their own licensing agreement and do not use this form.
    2. A letter of request sent to the publisher is not proof of permission. There needs to be a signed letter of agreement or contract between the band and copyright holder.

Licensing For Audio and Video Sales.

WBA has made arrangements to possibly sell audio and video recordings of Championships. In order to have permission to sell those recordings, WBA must get either a mechanical or synchronization license. CopyCat Licensing will be working with us to acquire permission and handle all the documentation and reporting for WBA.

Mechanical Licensing

    The license needed to record your performance of a copyrighted song and include it on a CD or tape is a mechanical license. These rights are governed by law and you are entitled to a mechanical license once a song has been recorded by the copyright owner for the first time. WBA will obtain these licenses.

Synchronization Licensing

    The license needed to videotape the performance of a copyrighted song is a synchronization license. WBA will obtain these licenses.

Song Information for Audio/Video

To get the proper permission, WBA will need a list of each song title, composer and copyright holder. Mechanical licensing is governed by law and a license will be granted. Synchronization License might not be granted even if you have permission to arrange. If we cannot get license we will let you know immediately.

Two Easy Steps

  1. Permission to Arrange - Just fill out the Permission to Arrange Form and send the form directly to . There is a fee that you will pay CopyCat Licensing for this service. Any fees payable for your licenses will still be due to the copyright owners. CopyCat Licensing just does all the legwork and research for you. If you are doing an original composition just have both parties fill out and sign Original Composition Form.

    Permission to Arrange Form
    Original Composition Form

  1. Song List - All you have to is to fill out the WBA Song List form. WBA will take getting all licensing from here and NO PAYMENT is required!!

    WBA Song List