Download a blank 8-count sheet.
First off, it is important to know that 8-count sheets are only necessary if you are requesting a music mix that follows a "pre-choreographed" routine. If you will do choreography "after" you get your music, an 8-count sheet is not necessary.
What to include
Make sure to include your name (or team name) and number the pages so there is no question of the order.
Routine section: The box on the far right-hand side of the sheet is used to communicate what part of the routine you are in. Examples would be: tumbling, stunts, pyramids, basket tosses, dance, transition, etc. It is helpful to know what part of the routine is going on, especially if we need to match appropriate songs for a particular section.
Songs: The long horizontal line in the middle of each 8-count can be used to list any song or voice over that must be used during that particular 8-count. For example, if you wanted to use 'Ice Ice Baby' for a three-count dance section, you would write that on each line for those three 8-counts. If you need "specific" lyrics from a song, you can portray that as well. Please note: We recommend giving us a list of songs to choose from on your order form for us to place in each section. This usually makes for a smoother mix and assures that the most "appropriate" song goes with that section.
Sound effects: The eight small boxes that spread horizontally across the bottom of each 8-count represent a way to communicate sound effects. For instance, let's say you are in a dance section and you want sound effects on counts "2" and "4" to match arm movements, you could place them in these boxes. You can either list a "specific" sound if you know what you want (ie:whip) or you can simply list the movement (ie:arm)
What not to include
Any choreography which does not affect sound effects, music or voice overs.
Any extra notes or too much detail. You may use the online order form for lengthy instructions or additional notes.
This example portrays a simple layout which will allow us to create a mix which fits the routine which has already been choreographed. With a little practice, you will find 8-count sheets easy to use and a great tool when teaching/learning your routine. It is an easy way to look at your routine from a different perspective. Some team coaches will distribute copies to help athletes learn a routine.
Each line on the sheet represents one 8-count. There are "8" 8-counts shown on each sheet. In the example below, we have a routine that consists of a "1" 8-count opening, "3" 8-counts of a stunt section, a "1" 8-count transition and a "3" 8-count tumbling section. On the "Routine Section Box" at the right-hand side, the routine section is listed for each 8-count. The first 8-count shows a particular voice over which would be used. On this 8-count count, there will be bell dings on counts "3" and "4".
The "3" 8-count section will be to the song "Bad" by Michael Jackson. There are some "hits", "lazers" and back hand-springs (BHS) which will have sound effects.
There will be a "1" 8-count transition of high energy music. This will be used as a bumper between the two music sections and helps for smoother transitions between songs and movement sections.
Then there are "3" 8-counts of tumbling. The choreographer is allowing us to choose the best song that will fit from a list of songs they provided. This section also contains sound effects which will hit at particular counts.
It is best to make sure you keep counts even and avoid things like beginning a new song on an "odd" count.
