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Jul
By Steve Pawlyk
Published July 30, 2023
If you’re passionate about cheerleading, then you know that cheer music and cheer competitions are a big deal. Whether you’re a cheerleader, a coach, or simply a fan, you’ve likely had questions about the music that gets the crowd roaring and teams soaring. Today, we answer all your burning questions about cheer music, its role in cheer competitions, and more.
Who Makes Competitive Cheer Music?
When it comes to competitive cheer music, IPP Music stands at the forefront of the industry. Recognized as the Official cheer music provider of USA Cheer, they’ve earned their reputation through years of providing high-quality mixes tailored to the rhythm and energy of cheerleading.
What Kind of Music is Suitable for Cheerleading?
Cheer music needs to be energetic, upbeat, and engaging to inspire the cheerleaders and enthrall the audience. Mixes often include a range of genres, from pop and hip-hop to rock and electronic. The tempo plays a key role, with 146 beats per minute (bpm) being the standard for most high school, all-star, and college cheer mixes.
Where Can I Find Cheer Dance Music?
If you’re in need of high-quality dance routine music, you’ll first need to establish whether you have the budget for a Custom Dance Mix ($875+) or a Premade Dance Mix ($99+). The difference between the 2 options comes down to customization. Custom Mixes offer a full spectrum of customization whereas Premade Dance Mix customization is slightly narrower. For most teams, premade mixes provide all the customization they are looking for. You can add a team name to the mix for just $10. IPP offers a wide range of dance mixes that strike the perfect balance between rhythm and energy, ensuring your cheer dance routine is a surefire hit!
How Do Cheer Teams Get Their Music?
Cheer teams typically purchase licensed music from reputable production companies like IPP Music. Licensed music ensures that all copyright laws are adhered to and allows teams to focus on what they do best: creating stunning cheer routines!
How Much Do Cheer Mixes Cost?
The cost of cheer music can vary depending on the type of mix. Custom mixes, tailored to a team’s specific requirements, range between $875 and $3300 per mix. On the other hand, premade cheer mixes, which can also be customized, range from $65 to $250 depending on duration. For example, here is the pricing for IPP’s Custom Cheer Mixes:
CUSTOM CHEER MUSIC PRICING
Standard:
The standard mixes are made to the customer’s choreography and include sound effects and 4 or 5 voiceovers based on duration (male voiceovers only)
Standard Mix Package:
Choose the length of custom mix you would like to purchase.
Advanced:
The Advanced mix features a dramatic production style with an extra emphasis on unique voiceovers. Advanced mixes contain up to eight 8-counts of additional vocals from our vocal team. Advanced mixes will have male voiceovers and female or male raps (gender upon request).
Advanced Mix Package:
Choose the length of custom mix you would like to purchase.
Elite:
The Elite mix features that World’s caliber sound with an extreme emphasis on unique voice overs, singing and raps. Elite mixes include an unlimited amount of voiceover and raps (upon producer’s discretion). Vocals will include male and female voiceovers, male and female raps, and/or male and female singers (upon request). *Video of choreography and 8-count sheet required.
Elite Mix Package:
Choose the length of custom mix you would like to purchase.
Semi-Custom
The new semi-full custom package will include 2 more custom vocal sections than our elite package. For example, you will be able to have a custom dance and pyramid song, a custom stunt and tumbling song or any combination you desire. This package will require your choreography to be complete. We request an 8-count sheet to be supplemented by a full-length video.
Semi-Custom Mix Package:
Choose the length of custom mix you would like to purchase.
Full Custom
The full custom mix is in a category of its own! The emphasis will be on original music composition and vocals unique to each routine. Custom songs and vocals will be written, recorded, arranged, and mixed by top industry artists from around the country. This package will also require your choreography to be complete. We request an 8-count sheet to be supplemented by a full-length video.
Full-Custom Mix Package:
Choose the length of custom mix you would like to purchase.
Dance Mix Package:
Choose the length of custom dance mix you would like to purchase
How Much Does Custom Cheer Music Cost?
Custom cheer music pricing can depend on the complexity and length of the mix, with prices generally falling between $875 and $3300 per mix. These mixes are specifically designed to suit the unique needs and routines of each cheer team, making them a worthy investment.
How Do You Pick a Cheer Song?
For custom mixes, you typically need to select 4-5 songs to be incorporated into the mix. IPP Music uses a third-party song provider, Songs for Cheer, where teams can choose their preferred tracks. If you opt for a premade mix, you don’t need to select any songs, although you do have the option to swap out existing songs if desired.
How Many 8 Counts in a Routine?
| wdt_ID | Length | 115bpm | 120bpm | 125bpm | 130bpm | 135bpm | 140bpm | 146bpm | 150bpm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1:00 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 18 |
| 2 | 1:30 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 3 | 2:00 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 36 | 37 |
| 4 | 2:15 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 40 | 44 |
| 5 | 2:30 | 35 | 37 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 43 | 45 | 46 |
the chart above is best viewed in landscape mode on a mobile device
The number of 8 counts in a routine depends on its length. For a one-minute routine, you would typically have around 17 counts, while for a one minute 30 seconds routine, you’d have around 26 counts. It’s important to note that the number of counts is independent of where songs blend in a cheer mix; not every song switch in a mix corresponds to an 8 count, though it’s typical that they do.
What Do Cheer Judges Look For in Competitions?
When it comes to cheer competitions, judges assess teams on a multitude of factors. It’s not only about the gravity-defying stunts and precision of the dance moves but also about the synergy between the performance and the music.
The music selection plays an indispensable role in crafting a winning cheerleading routine. A high-quality mix that complements the team’s energy can significantly influence the judges’ overall impression. It sets the tone and pace of the routine and can enhance the impact of the stunts and choreography. A well-crafted cheer mix can uplift the performance, making the routine more dynamic and engaging, hence persuading the judges in favor of the team.
Conversely, a poorly selected or low-quality cheer mix can negatively impact the performance, making even the most complex stunts seem out of sync or less impressive. The judges aren’t just looking for a good performance but a complete package where the music and routine work together to create an unforgettable show.
Timing is another crucial aspect. Each cheerleading routine must adhere to a specified length, and the music should fit within this timeframe. Music that exceeds the allotted time can lead to penalties or even disqualification. Therefore, teams must ensure their music ends when their routine does to avoid any timing mishaps.
Lastly, the content of the music matters greatly. Profanity or even perceived profanity in the lyrics can lead to immediate disqualification. It’s crucial that the music used in cheerleading routines is clean and suitable for all ages, reflecting the spirit of cheerleading as a sport that promotes positivity, teamwork, and athleticism.
In conclusion, what cheer judges look for isn’t just skill and enthusiasm. They’re looking for a cohesive performance where the music amplifies the team’s energy and synchronization. A well-chosen, high-quality cheer mix that abides by the rules can be a game-changer in winning cheerleading competitions.
How Do You Win a Cheerleading Competition?
Winning a cheerleading competition involves a combination of factors. Teams must perfect their stunts, dances, and tumbling, ensure their routine is original and engaging, and most importantly, bring an unmatched level of energy and spirit to their performance. And remember, the choice of music and its synchronization with the routine can make a big difference!
Cheer music is the heartbeat of any cheerleading routine. Understanding its intricacies can elevate your team’s performance and ensure your routines are always a hit with the crowd and judges alike. Whether you’re investing in a custom mix or opting for a premade mix, remember that the best cheer music embodies the energy, rhythm, and spirit of your team. So, ready to hit the cheer mat with some awesome tunes? Let’s do this!
IPP's Premade Mixes are USA Cheer Compliant and customizable! Add Sound FX, swap songs, & more! Add your Team Name to the mix for only $10!
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