Q. Why are you making these changes?

 

A. Two reasons. First, the hope is that by providing people an easier, single purchase, option they will take advantage of that ease and not have to worry about purchasing individual videos all the time.  Second, it will greatly reduce the time it takes to produce the videos and products.

 

Q. Why not continue with being able to purchase individual videos?

 

A. When we switched from delivery using DVDs we thought people might be interested in an Ala-Carte way of getting just the videos they wanted.  Sales for downloadable videos has not taken off as we hoped.  We often hear people comment they want to, and promise they will go order, but life is busy and rarely do we see those sales manifest.  

 

The DVD approach was nice in that people could order once at the start of the year and then not have to remember or worry about it.  We’re hoping moving to a package approach will make things easier for people.  That said, if you purchase for example the HS Concert Package, but are only interested in the Concert Band videos because that’s where you child is, then you can download just the Concert Band videos from the package.  You don’t have to download everything if you don’t want.

 

Q. Will videos still be posted on Youtube?

 

A. Yes.  We are considering some changes to what gets posted to allow for a quicker post after certain events.  That said, the new video packages will always contain the fully edited videos.

 

Q. When will packages be delivered?

 

A. The Band Show package should be delivered 1-2 weeks after the show, allowing time to edit all the performances.  The Marching Season package will be delivered after the Holiday Lights Parade event to allow that to be included in the package. The three Concert Packages will be delivered in a rolling fashion.  Shortly after each concert, the videos for that concert will be added to the package and everyone who ordered that package will receive an email with links to download.

 

Q. How much longer will you be doing all this?

 

A. Good question.  The MBPA and Directors have been supportive in keeping this video work going and I have no plans as of yet to stop, but time will tell.  If you know of anyone crazy enough to take this on, send them my way!

 

Q. How long do I have to download videos?

 

A. Download links are provided for each video.  They expire 72 hours from the time the email was sent by the system.  If you don’t download them in that time you will need to email me and I will will refresh the notice so you get another email good for 72 hours.

 

Q. Why are the files so big?

 

A. HD video takes up a lot of space.  The videos produced are HD 720p (smallest of the HD category), but even so, videos can be one to a few Gigabytes.  They could be made smaller but at the expense of quality.  With the new package format you will be able to download the files directly rather than having to download a .ZIP file first than then unzipping, which requires double to amount of space for a while.

 

Q. Will there be a discount code/coupon?

 

A. Yes. A 10% discount code will be provided that will be good up through the day before the band show.  After that the packages will be the normal price.

 

Q. Will SENIORS still receive a free copy of the Marching Season Package?

 

A. YES!  Around the time of the banquet seniors will be given a discount code that when they order the package will make it $0.  We suggest seniors DO NOT order a Marching Season Package ahead of time as that will not be discounted.  Wait for the coupon.

 

Q. What is this “Pay what you want” option?

 

A. Each package has a set minimum price, but we have enabled a “pay what you want” option should you want to contribute a few extra $.  You simply enter the minimum amount or any amount you wish to pay.  This isn’t required.  All contributions go directly to the band program and are greatly appreciated above and beyond appreciation for just purchasing something.

 

Q. Once I order something is there anything else I need to do?

 

A. No with a little Yes.  If you order a package before it’s fully filled out, other than getting an order confirmation you don’t need to do anything.  Once a package is ready (maybe immediately) you’ll receive another email with the download links.  You just need to click on them to get the files.

 

Q. Is any of our information used for possible spam?

 

A. NO!  We do not share any information with any outside folks.  Furthermore, internally we won’t spam you.  We might send you an email (rarely) with status info about a package, or maybe a coupon offer, but it won’t be abused.