LightTheFireMusic.com >>> Suggestions For Downloaded Music

Suggestions on How to use Downloaded music:

Octavos for your choir:

Q: Where do I keep the music once it is downloaded?

1) Computer folders for digital files: We suggest you create a folder on your computer called Light the Fire Music, then within that folder, create subfolders for each song within each Mass, as each song will have its own PDF file, text file, etc.*

2) Hard copy (printout) filing: Each song is in a PDF format and will have multiple versions of the song, from full score down to simple text. We suggest you set up a filing system for your hard copies of our music. One hanging file per song title; in each hanging file would be a manila folder for Full Score, a manila folder for SATB, one for guitar/vocal, etc. This way, you can find exactly the format of the song you want immediately. You can choose to have separate folders for masters and copies, or just make sure there is always one copy there as your master.

When your choir members come to practice, distribute the appropriate versions of the octavos to the choir members/instrumentalists.

Q: Where do the choir members keep the sheet music once we distribute it to them?

We have found the easiest solution for this is an inexpensive 1"- 2" three ring binder. They look beautiful and preserve the music from week to week. This way, you are able to choose the color binder that blends with the interior of your church, or even your school colors. The binders (which can be purchased for about a dollar a piece at any office supply store) can be supplied by the parish, or can be purchased by each choir member. Having their own binder allows each choir member to write his or her own notes that make sense to them without having to worry about "messing up" an octavo (have some red pencils around for them to take their own notes). Just put a name sticker on the spine, and/or the inside of the front cover. More helpful ideas for organizing your folders...

More Helpful Ideas...Choir members can also get 3-ring binder dividers with colored tabs. This can contain any other legal copies you have or made from other companies. At the front (just before the first divider), we put the printout of the songsheet of that day. We separate our folders into:
1) Mass Parts (each full Mass, in order of the Mass; or even all Kyries, followed by all Glorias, etc., depending on whether you "mix and match" any)
2) Responsorial Psalms, "A-Let"
3) Responsorial Psalms, "Lord A-Z" (because too many start with "Lord...")
4) Responsorial Psalms, "M-Z"
5) Songs (non-Mass parts)
6) Christmas music
7) Songsheets/Other Lyrics
8) Miscellaneous/Reference (includes blank sheet music, music theory references, rosters, any other helpful ideas/references)

Note: Remember, the vocalists will want to include only the SATB versions, whereas the guitarists will want the guitar versions and the accompanist and director will want the full octavos.

Q: What are the advantages to downloading music?

You get your music immediately after your purchase of it, and any updates we make available (especially if/when the text changes occur) can be accessed immediately and replace your old file of the same name, all free of charge. There is no shipping/handling cost and no waiting for us to package it and send it to you. Also, you only print what you need, and your choir members can even print their own SATB versions from their own computer, even assemble their own LTFM music notebooks, if they choose, saving you time and money.

Q: Isn't it illegal to download and copy sheet music?

It's not illegal if you have permission from the copyright holder (publisher/writer). When you purchase a Mass Setting from Light the Fire Music, you have permission to download and copy that sheet music.

Q: Do you sell any sheet music that is already preprinted?

No. It is much more cost effective to be able to make this available through downloads only. We are then able to pass those savings on to you.

Q: How do I make Assembly Cards for my congregation?

With your purchase, we provide you with an Assembly Card Template. We suggest you print these on white card stock (65#), for best durability. 250 sheets of cardstock will usually run under $10. You can print these on your parish copy machine or take it to a photocopy center (Kinko's, Office Max, Office Depot, etc.). Remember most of these stores offer discounts for teachers and non-profit tax-exemptions. Be sure to ask about those! Teacher discounts can save up to 15% (and sometimes double it in rebates).

Also, to save even more money, about $25 will buy you an extended-reach stapler to staple booklets that require two sheets (such as Mass of the Holy Family). Recruit choir members or students or volunteers to help assemble these.

Q: We're used to using books in our parish. How do we use Assembly Cards?

Assembly Cards fit nicely in the back of your church's hymnals, and also are able to stand freely on their own in your pews' book racks. Also, some churches use greeters to pass Assembly Cards out at the beginning of Mass then collect them at the end of Mass - whatever works best with your parish.

*You may choose to create two subfolders within the Mass Settings subfolder: one for Mass of the Holy Family and one for Mass For the Advent Season. As we make more of our music available, additional subfolders can be created - Responsorial Psalms, LTFM Songs, LTFM Arrangements of Public Domain Songs, Miscellaneous, Teen Mass Settings, etc.