I am using Dorico Pro 6 and am trying to map out a piece that has non-standard structure but don’t understand enough about the terms to know which ones (DS, DC, Sengo etc…) and what properties to select, and exactly where to place them. Can anyone help me with what I need to do to create the smallest roadmap (number of pages) to accommodate this structure, with minimal duplication showing in the score. It is configured for Piano and Vocal.
Currently I have the 3 verses stacked on top each other (not linear). (This may have to change??) Final Song Structure
Intro (3/4 Time)
Verse 1 (4/4 Time)
Verse 2 (4/4 Time)
Pre-Chorus (3/4 Time)
Chorus (4/4 Time)
Verse 3 (4/4 Time)
Bridge (3/4 Time)
Pre-Chorus (3/4 Time)
Double Chorus (4/4 Time)
Coda / Outro (3/4 Time, then changes to 4/4 Time)
A simple repeat for the first two verses, and then (depending on context) either jump back up there for verse three (DS/Coda) or save the segno jump until after the bridge to jump up to the pre chorus with a repeat for the double chorus (write text to say to only repeat the chorus the last time) and then jump down to the outro.
I’m assuming the arrangement is identical for each repeated section, so for minimal duplication (at the risk of making it harder to read - I think it’d very much depend on context if this is a good idea), you could do both. Have two different segnos/coda markers:
Intro (Segno 1)
//: Verse :// (To Coda 1)
(Segno 2)
Pre-Chorus
//: Chorus :// (Note: Take repeat second time only) (To coda 2)
(D.S. 1)
(Coda 1)
Bridge (3/4 Time) (D.S. 2)
(Coda 2)
Coda / Outro
I’d probably replace the repeat markers (D.S. and coda jumps) with text saying “To verse 3” / “to Pre-Chorus” / “to Bridge” / “to Outro” and label each section instead of using the jump signs.
Regarding what properties to select, you set the “jump to” index for the “to segno” / “to coda” and the marker index for the segnos and codas. Change the “custom text” property to get the “To Verse 3” etc.
If I were doing something this complex, I would simply notate it ‘straight through,’ without any repeats, Codas, del Segnos or anything else. Easier to read and unnecessary for the performer to figure anything out. Easier to write, too!
My 2⍧ — It is pretty straightforward for the most part; it’s when you get to verse 3 that it starts to get convoluted.
Intro, ||: (segno) verse 1, ⌈1st ending (to verse 2) :|| ⌈2nd ending || pre-chorus, chorus, D.S. to verse 3, place the to Coda prior to the endings and jump to the Coda for the bridge. From that point write it out so that you have the bridge (as the beginning of the Coda, pre-chorus, ||: chorus :||, outro.
There are other possibilities to conserve paper if you really need to but it becomes increasingly difficult for a player to follow. One can use double segno and Coda 1 & 2, or a text box with a roadmap (with rehearsal numbers/letters or section titles) but the more complex you make these jumps the more difficult it becomes for the player.
Good question. Not likely for this one, but something to keep in mind. Because i know the ‘map’ I ahve to make sure the layout and guidance text is clear.
Then do you want it to Play in Dorico, or just print on paper or is it likely to be used on a tablet (where you can sequence page turns as you wish, each tap bringing up the next section required)?
I assume on paper, no need to answer, just a question to yourself John
Another thought, you say “score” so you have chosen a smaller raster size if it is for reference only? Or are you referring to the piano part, made the vocal stave smaller? or overall smaller raster size for piano, since the music stand is very near them (eyesight distance, smaller raster size can be used).
(If you are not a pianist) sometimes their part can be displayed 3 sheets across at a time (grand pianos can have a long music stand width.)
