| Author | Message | |||||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1555 Registered: 7-2007 |
Several months ago I started playing in a Jazz ensemble where all the music was being read from charts. Most of the time it was either copied for me or I was looking over someone’s shoulder. One of the gentlemen I was playing with had an older version Android tablet that he was storing some of his music on which prompted me to look further into a full paperless solution. A dear friend sold me an iPad and I purchased the PageFlip Cicada Wireless Bluetooth pedal to complete the hardware setup. The software that I settled into after trying several different book/music score readers came after some experimentation and recommendations. I began using Apple’s iBooks but soon found that it was quite cumbersome to head to the library for each song selection. I then moved into several specific readers for music scores. The advantage of set-lists was imperative for a smooth transition into this digital reality. The software I am now mainly using is forScore. In my opinion forScore is far superior in all of its functionality and stability than the others I had tried. From the set-list setup to the annotation along with its many other features this software is easy to use and very reliable.
I’m very happy with the iPad (version 1) for a tablet solution. The PageFlip works like a charm; Hands free operation, Bluetooth technology for easy pairing, different triggering mechanism making it compatible with software that uses a keystroke to navigate, right and left pedal to easily move forward or backward through your pages and files. It runs on two AA batteries or the supplied AC adapter. Also included is a Bluetooth USB adapter for computers/tablets that are not Bluetooth enabled. I now have over 1,600 songs imported into the software with plans on several additional Real Books to be scanned. Preparing the files for this is time consuming but well worth the effort once they are completed. My career has been in technologies for the past 20 years and I wanted to share this latest adventure using technology for my enjoyment of music with our community. Is anyone else here using a digital solution? Art | |||||
| sonicus
Senior Member Username: sonicus Post Number: 1942 Registered: 5-2009 |
Art , Thanks for sharing that. I like the page turning feature. I remember out door gigs that I had years ago where I had a music stand in front of me on a windy day where this new system would have saved much frustration of pages being blown around. This will be a big hit in a few different music circles . | |||||
| briant
Senior Member Username: briant Post Number: 584 Registered: 12-2004 |
That is completely awesome. If I ever start playing another regular jazz gig I'm leveraging this idea. | |||||
| elwoodblue
Senior Member Username: elwoodblue Post Number: 1247 Registered: 6-2002 |
Love it...love to hear about solutions that work...I've seen a few variations at recent gigs, though this is the first time I've heard of the bluetooth pedal. thanks for sharing Art, | |||||
| pauldo
Senior Member Username: pauldo Post Number: 644 Registered: 6-2006 |
THAT - is really cool. No more stand lights in dark venues. No more clothes pins on windy stages. No more flipping to the back of the book for one song and then back to the middle for the next. . . sometimes technology is spot on! I just might have to get one of those - thanks for sharing Art | |||||
| cje
Member Username: cje Post Number: 82 Registered: 5-2009 |
That's really cool - I've ben using OnSong with a bluetooth pedal for my lyrics since I got the iPad 2. I'm also using the GigEasy mounting solution for stage use. I've got it on a nice, heavy K&M tripod stand. It's pretty much perfect! | |||||
| artswork99
Moderator Username: artswork99 Post Number: 1557 Registered: 7-2007 |
Thanks for the nice feedback everyone. Nice mounting solution CJ. The only other mic stand adapter I found was the new Griffin xx32000 only available on their company store at present. | |||||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1972 Registered: 10-2003 |
That is exceptionally cool. |
