Binary Interface

Welcome to the March edition of the Binary Interface newsletter, providing news and updates on what's new in our corner of the world of music technology. We always welcome any comments, suggestions or contributions.

New software releases feature heavily in this issue, starting with Band-in-a-Box 2006 once again pushing the boundaries of what was once a humble accompaniment generator. Sibelius Software have released the first title in their much-anticipated 'Groovy Music' software series, for 5-11 year olds. There's also a new release of the easy-to-use guitar tab and notation editor, Guitar Pro, now up to version 5.

Teachers are always having problems with voice strain from their daily job, but the Chattervox can assist them by boosting their voice in a convenient hands-free package.

Finally, we provide information on Upcoming Events, Binary Designs on-site training service, and scheduled Courses and Workshops in our on-going PD Series.

Auto Accompaniment plus

Band in a Box 2006

Every year, the authors of Band in a Box release a new version for Windows, and this year is no exception. They also manage to pack at least 50 new features into each release, which is amazing for a $169 program. Not only does the 2006 version of BIAB make it easy to create backing tracks by typing in a chord progression, it now also features a huge array of audio and MIDI features to make musicians' lives easier and more productive. We consider this program to be an essential part of the software toolkit for all musicians.

Prices (inc GST)
Band in a Box 2006 (Windows) Single User	$169
Band in a Box 12 (Mac) Single User	$169
Upgrade from 2005 (Windows)	$89
Band in a Box 5-49 users(Windows)	$75/user

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Sibelius Groovy Music

software for 5-11 year-olds

Sibelius has now released 'Groovy Music' a trio of musical learning tools for children from ages 5 to 11
The three themed and age-specific titles are: Groovy Shapes (for 5-7 years), Groovy Jungle (7-9 years), and Groovy City (for 9-11 years). The first title, Groovy Shapes, is now available in Australia, with the others to be released over the next few months.

Groovy Music is supportive of the non-specialist teacher in particular,as it comes with plenty of clear and well-written supporting materials, so you don't even need to be a musician to use it. And children will love Groovy Music - it lets them create their own music as well as carry out directed activities, so there's plenty of room for them to experiment.
The programs are split into 'Explore' and 'Create' sections. In Explore, they are guided aurally through a series of progressive exercises which teach them how music works. Then they can put what they have learned into practice in the Create section.

Visit the Groovy Music detail pages on our website for more information.

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Visit the Guitar Pro page on our website for more information.

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Visit the Chattervox page on our website for more information.

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Upcoming Events

O-Generator Brisbane Launch
O-Generator is the new revolutionary way for students to learn to compose and play contemporary music with beat, rhythm and styles. It is aimed at 10-16 year-olds, and comprises structured lessons, objectives activities, outcomes, and in-built assessment. The included Virtual Music Teacher, with its recorded voice-over, is ideal for non-specialists as it guides students step-by-step through lessons using simple understandable language. The author of this software from the UK, Marcel Pusey, will be in Brisbane for one day only this month to present workshops, and give everyone a chance to see O-Generator in action.

Date:	Thursday 23rd March
Time:	4:00pm - 5:30pm
Venue:	Brisbane Grammar School Music Technology Lab, Gregory Terrace, Brisbane
Admission:	Free
RSVP:	infoAU@sibelius.com or call 1300 652 172 by 5pm Friday 17th March Limited numbers for hands-on in the Lab

O-Generator runs on Windows or Macintosh
For more info, visit the O-Generator page on our website:
http://www.binarydesigns.com.au/bdstore/OGEN.html

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On-Site Training

Did you know that Binary Designs are able to provide on-site custom training on virtually any music software you have at your school or studio?
Many of our clients appreciate the convenience of being able to have us come to their workplace and present training in a more relaxed one-on-one or small group situation, at a time that suits them in their busy schedule. Why not call us to discuss your needs, we'd be most happy to oblige.

Phone us on (07) 3822 4884 or email info@binarydesigns.com.au

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Professional Development Courses
Upcoming courses April to June 2006:

Part of our Binary Designs Basics series for
Vocational Education Training:

Vital
  Effective
    Today

Date	Course	Comment/Cost	Time
Sat 22nd April	Sibelius 4 - The Basics	Getting Started with Sibelius 4 Hands-on $40	1:30pm-3:00pm Includes a/tea, free software pack, & discount offers
Sat 6th May	Sibelius 4 - Film Music	Synchronise your video footage with Sibelius film scoring Hands-on $40	1:30pm-3:00pm (option to stay for follow-on workshop) Includes a/tea, free software pack, & discount offers
Sat 6th May	Film Scoring with Sony Acid	Use Acid Loops to make a film score Hands-on $40	3:30pm-5:00pm Includes a/tea, free software pack, & discount offers
Sat 20th May	Awesome Powerpoint Music Presentations for Primary	How to add music, scores, video to engage visual learners Hands-on $40	1:30pm-3:00pm Includes a/tea, handout & your CD
Sat 20th May	Awesome Powerpoint Music Presentations for Secondary	How to add music, scores, video to engage visual learners Hands-on $40	3:30-5:00pm Includes a/tea & your CD
Sat 17th June	Finale Family Notation	Composing with Notepad & Print Music in Middle School Hands-on $40	1:30pm-3:00pm Includes a/tea, workbook & CD
Sat 17th June	Finale Family Notation	Getting started with Finale Hands-on $40	3:30pm-5:00pm Includes a/tea, workbook & CD

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