What paper sizes are available in the US for orchestras to print parts themselves?
My guess is that Letter is not an option.
Parts paper size in US
Parts paper size in US
Finale 27.5 • Sibelius 2026.2• MuseScore 4+ • Logic Pro X+ • Ableton Live 12+ • Digital Performer 11 /// MacOS Monterey (secondary in use systems: Fedora 35, Windows 10)
Re: Parts paper size in US
No, the smallest we would accept was 9X12 (inches) with a 7mm staff.
Preferred size was 10X13 (same as a standard Kalmus part) but we had to have that custom cut. However, many professional orchestra libraries use this size.
9.5X13 is also common.
I think G. Schirmer used to use a very large size, around 11X14, but i don't think that is the case any more.
Preferred size was 10X13 (same as a standard Kalmus part) but we had to have that custom cut. However, many professional orchestra libraries use this size.
9.5X13 is also common.
I think G. Schirmer used to use a very large size, around 11X14, but i don't think that is the case any more.
Re: Parts paper size in US
I use the MOLA recommended paper sizes:
9x12 for parts.
9.5x12.5 for chamber music.
and orchestral scores range from 11x14 to 12x18.
these are all readily available at the Canadian Music Center, for members.
9x12 for parts.
9.5x12.5 for chamber music.
and orchestral scores range from 11x14 to 12x18.
these are all readily available at the Canadian Music Center, for members.
Re: Parts paper size in US
One more piece of advice:
I assume you are sending PDF's to a US orchestra. Best bet is to get in touch with their librarian (*NOT* the orchestra manager - they will say anything to make their job easier) and see what they prefer.
As a librarian, I (and many of my colleagues) disliked composers sending PDF's rather than printed parts. We had enough to do without the extra printing and binding work this entails. That being said, I realize this is sometimes unavoidable, so we did what we could.
Another option would be to send the PDF's to someplace like NYC Music Services, which could print any size, bind, and ship the parts. Of course, the orchestra should cover that cost.
I assume you are sending PDF's to a US orchestra. Best bet is to get in touch with their librarian (*NOT* the orchestra manager - they will say anything to make their job easier) and see what they prefer.
As a librarian, I (and many of my colleagues) disliked composers sending PDF's rather than printed parts. We had enough to do without the extra printing and binding work this entails. That being said, I realize this is sometimes unavoidable, so we did what we could.
Another option would be to send the PDF's to someplace like NYC Music Services, which could print any size, bind, and ship the parts. Of course, the orchestra should cover that cost.
Re: Parts paper size in US
Actually, what I have in mind is to create a uniform paper size for my parts, so that they can be printed both in Europe and the US, and have the whole thing sorted out once and for all. This is surprisingly messy. I am not sure why there isn't a more or less fixed standard.
In Sweden, there is the so-called STIM format, 275 × 350 mm (10.63 × 13.77 in), which works quite well, although it is rather large.
Halstan prints all Schott/Boosey/Ricordi parts in either HAL format (240 × 320 mm) or NE (New Edition, 231 × 303 mm), with HAL being the maximum size that can be saddle-stitched.
In Sweden, there is the so-called STIM format, 275 × 350 mm (10.63 × 13.77 in), which works quite well, although it is rather large.
Halstan prints all Schott/Boosey/Ricordi parts in either HAL format (240 × 320 mm) or NE (New Edition, 231 × 303 mm), with HAL being the maximum size that can be saddle-stitched.
I think the closest is HAL that is 9.45 x 12.6.
Finale 27.5 • Sibelius 2026.2• MuseScore 4+ • Logic Pro X+ • Ableton Live 12+ • Digital Performer 11 /// MacOS Monterey (secondary in use systems: Fedora 35, Windows 10)
Re: Parts paper size in US
Why don't you just use HAL or NE?
Since you would be sending PDF's, they can be easily scaled to whatever paper is available.
Since you would be sending PDF's, they can be easily scaled to whatever paper is available.