Since the Seattle Solid GOLD org digitalized our music, here's what we recommended this year for the GOLD big band for software, tablet stand, and pedal. Thought y'all might find it helpful/interesting. I use my tablet in four bands/ensembles and love not having to schlep the big binders around.
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 5:17 PM
Subject: [GOLD Big Band] So you've decided to take your Seattle Solid Gold Music Library Digital ...
All,
I've been hearing quite a bit of side chatter about going digital with the Seattle Solid Gold music library. So, I thought I would start this thread for people to share their experiences and their preferences for their digital music solutions. I'll give it a start and encourage others to pile on with your opinion.
Software and Hardware
Currently there are three different solutions I know of that are being used in the band.
forScore on Apple
By far the most popular option and is used extensively in the Big Band, Hits Band and the Little Swing band. Gary swears by it and has said that forScore is an industry standard.
It provides a rich feature set including
If you're cheap (like me) and are looking to leverage an existing or less expensive windows or android device, MobileSheets is an option. I've used this for the last year or so and have found it to be a great option.
MobileSheets also provides a rich feature set similar to forScore.
Apple
For the who would like to use forScore, iPads in the larger format seems to be preferred (~ 12").
Foot Pedal
Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 5:17 PM
Subject: [GOLD Big Band] So you've decided to take your Seattle Solid Gold Music Library Digital ...
All,
I've been hearing quite a bit of side chatter about going digital with the Seattle Solid Gold music library. So, I thought I would start this thread for people to share their experiences and their preferences for their digital music solutions. I'll give it a start and encourage others to pile on with your opinion.
Software and Hardware
Currently there are three different solutions I know of that are being used in the band.
forScore on Apple
By far the most popular option and is used extensively in the Big Band, Hits Band and the Little Swing band. Gary swears by it and has said that forScore is an industry standard.
- $19.99 on the apple store
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/forscore/id363738376?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
forScore on the App Store Go paperless. Get organized. Download and play something new in seconds. With forScore for iOS, iPadOS, and now even for macOS, your scores have never been better—it’s everything you can do with paper and so much more. As seen in Apple keynote addresses and retail stores worldwide! On your music st… apps.apple.com |
- Multiple library support (organize your music by band)
- Multiple play list support (set lists, practice lists, etc)
- Rich annotation functionality (handwritten nodes, typing keyboard support, music notations, highlighting, etc).
- "jump" functionality to support easy navigation to and from codas etc.
- Metronome and tuner built in.
- Rich cross device support using apple's sharing functionality. If you forgot to download a chat, it's easy to airdrop a part to you quickly from another device.
- Platforms supported:
- iPhone: iPad, iPhone, iOS 12.4 or later
- Mac: macOS 11.0 or later
If you're cheap (like me) and are looking to leverage an existing or less expensive windows or android device, MobileSheets is an option. I've used this for the last year or so and have found it to be a great option.
- $12.99 on the Microsoft or Google Play Store
- https://www.zubersoft.com/mobilesheets/about.php?lang=en
MobileSheets MobileSheets was released in 2011 as the first android-based sheet music reader available on the market. Over the years, MobileSheets has been continually improved with feedback from an amazing community of users and is now faster, more powerful and easier to use than ever. www.zubersoft.com |
- So far, the only missing feature I've found is the lack of a built-in tuner.
- I also just found out today it has a companion app that provides "... the ability to manage your library from the comfort of your PC." Haven't tried it yet so can't give any details
- Full disclosure, currently I'm the only one I know who is using MobileSheets
- Android 4.0.3 or greater,
- Windows 10 device (PC, laptop, or tablet).
Apple
For the who would like to use forScore, iPads in the larger format seems to be preferred (~ 12").
- From the apple store, 11" start at $799, 12.9 in start at $1099
- You can find less expensive good used devices on reputable sites like ebay.com and swappa.com
- HOWEVER: Make sure the used device you are purchasing supports at least iOS 12.4
- Lots of options hear as long as they support Windows 10.
- I use a surface book that has a detachable keyboard and is easy to use as a tablet.
- You may need to tweak power settings on the device so you can get battery life comparable to a tablet.
Foot Pedal
- A very popular and, in my case, needed accessory so you can do hands free page turns.
- Most are bluetooth devices that simulate up/down/left/right arrows on your keyboard
- Myself and several others use the PageFlip
- https://www.amazon.com/PageFlip-Butterfly-Bluetooth-Turner-Pedal/dp/B01LIROF7W/ref=sr_1_3?crid=16PJHV5802EDQ&dchild=1&keywords=page+flip&qid=1627516722&sprefix=page+flip%2Caps%2C257&sr=8-3
Amazon.com: PageFlip Butterfly Bluetooth Page Turner Pedal: Computers & Accessories
Amazon.com: PageFlip Butterfly Bluetooth Page Turner Pedal: Computers & Accessories
www.amazon.com
- Of course, a simple music stand will do the trick
- If you're looking for something less obscuring, here's a holder that I like:
- https://www.amazon.com/LyxPro-Smartphone-Microphone-Android-Devices/dp/B078WD2GRD/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=tablet+holder+music&qid=1627516972&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A2LM6ZPY06LT1N&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFXQVBRN0hYUjlMMUkmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5NDk3ODkzOUgxOUgxWUZITDBaJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4NDgzMzEzQ1pLTjRGT1NFWU05JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Amazon.com: LyxPro TSM1 Microphone Music Stand Mount Holder For Tablet iPhone Ipad Smartphone And Android Adjustable 360 Degree Swivel Tilt Support Arms 3 To 11.5 Inch With Extra Detachable Clip: Musical Instruments
Buy LyxPro TSM1 Microphone Music Stand Mount Holder For Tablet iPhone Ipad Smartphone And Android Adjustable 360 Degree Swivel Tilt Support Arms 3 To 11.5 Inch With Extra Detachable Clip: Stands - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com