TubeNet

I know there has been discussion about these comntraptions (http://www.wwbw.com/Freehand-Systems-Mu ... 2034.music) on TubeNet in the past. And I vagualey remember some one saying that their quintet used them.

Is anyone aware of a large group, orchestra or band, using these things or something like them?

Harry Connick Jr. and his Big Band use the music pad pro and i think that the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band use it also. I don't know any symphonic orchestra using it.

Vince

Our small groups just got them and I'm trying to learn how to use them and get the most out of our purchase. There are a few Army bands that have gotten a full complement of Pads and I've heard great things, but I'm still working on getting ours operational.

chhite wrote:Our small groups just got them and I'm trying to learn how to use them and get the most out of our purchase. There are a few Army bands that have gotten a full complement of Pads and I've heard great things, but I'm still working on getting ours operational.

May I asked some administrative/logistical questions?

1) Are the pads issued to individual musicians and the musician then assume responsibility for care and maintenance?

2) How are the Pads stored when not in use?

3) Is there a librarian charged with updating the Pads with new music? Is it easy to do a bulk update of the pads when new music is added?

I've only spent a little time with these, but I'll relate my experiences to date. When not in use, the Pads are stored in an Anvil case, along with all their accessories. The Pads would be issued to either the group leader or to the individual musicians, depending on specific circumstances. The Pads can be uploaded very easily with a stick drive and file sharing is a breeze as well. The Pads can also be linked to share markings or kept to individual units. I have barely scratched the surface of what these units can do and I'm excited for the potential benefits. It just takes time to learn new tricks. If you have questions about the units that you don't find answers to on their website, fire off an email. I had fantastic support and fast answers to all my questions. There is also a list of groups using the Pads that may also be able to share some of their experiences.

I think the underlying idea is a great thing, but as a working musician, the question that keeps going through my mind is simply "how reliable are they?"

With print music you have there, in hand. With every "computer" device I have known, at some time it crashes, freezes, locks, goes down, and so on. I'm sure that having an entire ensemble's performance book disappear just before downbeat or --even worse -- during a performance could be catastrophic.

Technology is great, when it works. (What happens if the power goes out?)

JB wrote:I think the underlying idea is a great thing, but as a working musician, the question that keeps going through my mind is simply "how reliable are they?"

Reliability is a big concern. Also durability. That's why I am interested how users they are storing and caring for the Pads. I see how music stands are stored and treated and it makes me worry about the Pads.

They are battery powered and don't need a stand light, so if the powere went out and the batter was reliable then they would actually be better than paper.

This brings me to the next question for the folks that are using them now: Do you also bring your paper music with you just in case?

The last post on this topc was about two years ago. Has anyone had more recent experience with this product?

From the web-site, it appears that these units still operate with NiMH batteries as opposed to the more current lithium ion batteries found in cel phones and notebook computers today. I wonder how this affects battery life. Moreover, I wonder how physically rugged these units are - have they withstood the test of time?

Another point, Freehand Systems indicates that they have over 90,000 digital titles available. I don' know how much of the standard orchestra/concert band rep is available. This means that individuals will have to scan paper copies into a pdf format and then transfer to the MusicPad. This sounds easy in theory, but it often not at all easy in real life, particularly when the original paper part is in bad shape.

If you can do without the gizmo for a couple of years, my recommendation is that you wait for this stuff to be deployed:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_paper

It's only just starting to make an appearance on some devices. I predict that it will be ubiquitous someday.

For anyone looking for music for the Pad or digital music in general, go here:

http://www.freehandmusic.com/

Between Cimarron and BVD Press I believe there are over 600 titles available. Tons of solos, Tuba Quartets and Brass Quintets. Have fun!!