Creating a Sibelius file involves setting up the document with the appropriate CMO House Style, instruments, key signature, and time signature. This ensures that the file is correctly formatted and ready for detailed transcription work.

Workflow for Creating a Sibelius File

Select the CMO House Style:

• Open Sibelius and go to the Quick Start window.

• In the Document Setup section, select the appropriate House Style according to the number of accidentals required (e.g., select "CMO Voc KS2_204" if two accidentals are needed).

Add Instruments:

• Click on the "Change Instruments" button.

• Add the CMO instruments you want to use for the piece.

Set Key Signature

• Select the desired key signature (i.e. 4b 8B for the melodic line) for the melody staff and the CMO percussion staff, either with or without barlines, depending on the usûl divisions of the piece in Add or Remove Instruments window (Percussion bar lines should appear under the CMO Key signatures).

Time Signature Setup: 

• Choose the desired time signature either directly from the signatures available or by clicking on Other and choosing the appropriate time value. 

• Set up beam groups by clicking on “Beam and Rest Groups”, if necessary.

• From the Key Signature Setup tab, click "No key" to ensure no key signature is applied if required by the piece's structure.

Create the File:

• Click the Create button to finalize the setup and generate the Sibelius file.