I've found that often just contacting the group that performed a work is the easiest way to gain information on how to obtain the work. Hickeys.com does a pretty good job of cataloging works and providing good description and instrumentation listings of works too.
Norlan Brewley also has a helpful site when developing ideas and programs:
Norlanbrewley.com/brass-ensemble.html
I don't know about you slide jockeys but I spent a lot of time in the ITG music vendors room finding all sorts of cool gems from publishers that sometimes barely had an online presence. One guy had the only copy of some ridiculous neoclassical duet (re-premiered at the convention) for I think Bassoon and Trumpet. Said he found it in the basement of a church and re-published it.
ReplyDeleteHickeys is great, but you're right about contacting individuals. For newer stuff and personal commissions, they may have the only copy!