Student Software Specials
Our Sibelius and Finale Student specials, which allow students to purchase either of these professional notation programs for only $299, will soon be over, as stocks have almost run out. We would encourage you to let your students know about these great offers while they last. Students can also purchase other titles in the Sibelius education suite at substantial discounts. Details are on our web-site at http://www.binarydesigns.com.au, and you can also download the required eligibility forms from there.

Band in a Box 2004
This latest release of a perennial favourite just keeps getting better...over 50 new features (including amazing audio vocal harmonies and pitch-correction) make this a must-have for anyone wanting to create backing tracks, lead sheets, tutorial sheets, stylistic themes, or quick arrangements for choir or bands. For students, there is a wealth of material for learning about musical styles, harmony, rhythm plus a great library of included songs to work with. The retail price remains at only $199, but there is also a student special available which lets students buy version 11 (with tutorial book) for only $79 (usually $99) and upgrade to the full 2004 version for an extra $59. Schools are not left out of this offer, however, as they can upgrade site licences and lab packs at special rates also. Follow the Band in a Box link on our web site's front page for full details and eligibility forms.

Recent Events
In March and April, Binary Designs hosted two exciting musical events. The first was a visit to Brisbane of composer Kerin Bailey, under the banner Time4Jazz. During his stay, Kerin conducted workshops and seminars for several of our client schools, as well as a concert and masterclasses and hands-on jazz workshops at Jazzworx studios. His newly-released Rhythm Unravelled book was featured, which aims to strengthen students' rhythmic reading and playing skills through a series of graded exercises.
Dr Bob Smith, a former chairman of ASME, visited us in April to present a series of seminars and workshops he calls Boys' Business. These are designed to enthuse and encourage boys to participate in group interactive activities using music as both catalyst and medium. Several groups of students and teachers in Brisbane and the Gold Coast were able to participate in this energetic and enjoyable experience.
You can view photos of these events on-line at our photo gallery off our main website.

Fed Govt Music.Play for Life
This is a campaign to grow the number of people playing music in our schools and communities. It is run by the Music Council of Australia, the peak body for music and arts, and is funded with $100,000 from a group of Australian music retailers and wholesalers called Music Makers. Over the next 15 months it will build to being as high profile as, say, the Quit campaign or Speed Kills.
Music.Play for Life is a web-based campaign, strongly supported through Music in Action magazine. Please take a look at the website at http://www.mca.org.au/music.playforlife.htm where you can see the campaign taking shape. Register for their free newsletter so you can keep up with initiatives. (In particular, check out the Schools Advocacy Kit)

Demo CD Updated
If you would like a copy of our latest demo CD-ROM, containing trial versions of many of our most popular music software titles, just drop us a quick email request and we'll post it to you free of charge.
(Windows only - sorry Mac users)

SmartMusic Studio
This 'Intelligent Accompanist' software from Makemusic! , makers of Finale, has grown over the years to become a complete practice system. Version 8.3.2 has just been released, and includes lots of new repertoire for all band instruments, and now includes the 'Standard of Excellence' band method books. Over 20,000 accompaniments in all, as well as 50,000 exercises for all levels, make this a great investment for both schools and individual students as part of their learning program.

The new subscription system allows schools to have an administration subscription for just $299 in the first year, and $199 in following years. This allows schools to offer student subscriptions at $55 annually, so very student in the band program can have their own personal accompanist at home for every practice session. With the subscription system, all updates are free, and you can connect to the SmartMusic website anytime to download new repertoire.

Training Courses
Upcoming training courses in June:
Sibelius level 1 : Saturday 5th June 10:00 - 12:00, or 4:00-6:00pm
Sibelius level 2 : Saturday 5th June 1:00 - 3:00pm

Digital Recording Basics : Saturday 19th June 10:00 - 12:00, or 4:00-6:00pm

This round of courses has strictly limited numbers and will be conducted at our Birkdale studios. Cost for each course is $55

Phone 3822 4884 or email midi@binarydesigns.com.au to reserve your place

Free Product Clinic
Join Robin Kelly, Cakewalk US product demonstrator, for a free overview of the new Sonar 3 professional sequencing software to be held at our Birkdale studio on Friday 21st May 10:30 - 11:30am - all welcome.

ASME Young Composers' Competition Binary Designs is proud to be a sponsor of this annual event. Entries for the competition close on 30th July, and are open to all students of ASME members. Entry forms may be downloaded from their website http://www.asmeqld.org.au Categories include primary, junior primary, secondary, and senior secondary.