The South Pasadena SPTOR Committee is facing a significant change in music licensing for upcoming events, as discussed in their recent meeting. The Tournament of Business Organization has mandated that all music licensing must now be processed through them, resulting in a steep increase in costs for the committee.

Previously, the committee managed its own music licensing, averaging around $500 for popular songs. However, under the new requirements, the cost to use a popular song has skyrocketed to $2,500. This change has prompted the committee to explore alternative options for music during events.

One option is to utilize a library of generic music provided by the Tournament, which, while less recognizable, could serve as a viable alternative. Another possibility is commissioning original music, although this would still require navigating the licensing process through the Tournament. The committee also discussed the option of playing no music while passing through TV Corner, which is the only segment affected by the new rules. For the rest of the parade, they would be free to play any music they choose.

The committee is seeking consensus on how to proceed, weighing the benefits of budgeting for the higher music costs against the practicality of using generic tracks or going silent during the televised segment. While the change is disappointing, committee members noted that past events often featured competing sounds, such as nearby marching bands, which may lessen the impact of not using popular music.

As the committee moves forward, their decision will shape the musical experience of future events, balancing budget constraints with the desire to create an engaging atmosphere for attendees.