CutePDF.com

That is a free PDF converter. It installs as a printer so all you need to do after installation is hit the print button and select CutePDF as the printer.


We require standard file format for consistency throughout the judging process. PDF offers a file format that is presentable and is universally accessible that can be created through the two main heavyweights of music composition software (Finale, Sibelius).

As for saving to an mp3, Finale has an option to Save File as special, I believe. Either way, explore the File menu's options of saving as an mp3. I'm not sure how to do so in Sibelius, but I'd guess that it isn't much different from the way it is done in Finale.

In Sibelius, there is an "export audio" button with a picture of a CD on it.

Thanks a bunch guys. You dont know how much easier it is now...haha. Ive been putting unison on all 5 bar lines...for as long as I can remember. One more question though. For flams, how are you able to have them sit so clean? I cant seem to make it to where I have enough space to put them on the same bar line...so Im forced to put them one bar line above. Again thanks.

I'm not exactly sure what you're asking concerning the flams . . . is it that the playback isn't realistic (Change Grace Note Value under Document Settings to 32-ish EDUs), there isn't enough room in the score to place the flam without changing a note that comes after (zoom in or put the grace note in before you write its primary note), or something else I'm not getting?

Notation wise. Like when you put the flam symbol on the note. He has his on the same line as the note its being placed next to. I want to know how he managed to make the space necessary to do such a thing.

Maybe I missed this on here, but is there a map available for Finale and Sibelius (that is particular to the example given)... or is this the standard notation already used for VDL, Sibelius, or Finale. Just curious... Peace...

I saw that there's to be no use of auxiliary, but a statement of creativity was also posted. As many of us have probably seen, some groups such as Blue Devils will use the Dynasty Cradle on the tenors as a type of cowbell sound without it actually being an auxiliary to the instrument. Is this something included in the "forbidden" list?

You can not specifically define something as "cowbell" or whatever, but that does not mean your creativity is limited. Playing on the rim is no different than playing on a cowbell for example. Yes, the timbre is different but the groove, and actual notes would not be different. If your particular drumline has auxiliary instruments, then by all means, play those notes on that instrument if you choose to use your cadence. However, for this contest, we are simply asking that you make everything rim clicks. It is much easier to judge, much easier to make an mp3 for, and there will be no need for a separate key for each cadence. We are trying to keep this simple and universal.

Someone mentioned audio files on finale. Please make sure that under "save special" and "save as audio file" that you choose COMPRESSED mp3 file instead of standard. This reduces the files size greatly and allows for easier transfers via email.

When I created the sample file (with Finale 2007), I did not make a template of that particular "standard" format. I do not have sibelius, so I would not have been able to make a template for sibelius, so I did the fair thing and made one for no one. Also, that is not a standard format for finale, sibelius, or VDL. It is the format that the moderators agreed to use for this contest.

Finally, the flams (grace notes) are indeed on the same line as the main note. Make sure you are using the grace note tool when making flams. When you are in simple entry mode, you need to hit the "G" key. That will put a grace note beside your cursor. This allows you to either change notes you have already written to grace notes or whatever note you write next will be a grace note.

Hope that clears up some things. If you have any specific Finale questions, feel free to PM me. Sorry for you sibelius users, but I am not familiar with that program...maybe someone will step up to be the "problem solver" for sibelius.

This is not to step on toes... but would it be unfair to make the standard template the VDL template given that it is available to both Sibelius and Finale users. I think it would also help set a true standard that those at Tapspace have worked so hard to create. (I think this would create the most consistent set)

I've even gone through the process of creating a template for Sibelius that works like the old Finale template with the VDL Finale map (this is to say I would be willing to put it out there for everyones use).

Lastly, to really open up to creativity rather than the technical process... is it completely unreasonable that the 3 main notations be accepted (Sib, VDL, Fin) ,this may allow people to continue in there most comfortable environment while allowing the audio to clarify what the notation means. Plus, are the differences truly that monumental that yet another arbitrary set of notation be created?

Again, not intending to step on toes... but I think there are many other possibilities that rank higher on the reason ladder. Please take this as constructive criticism to better the whole. Peace...

It's not a matter of reason, but rather a matter of ease on judges who are (I'm assuming) volunteering their own time for no charge. However, I'm sure they'd reconsider if you offered to pay the judges out of your own pocket