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I emailed the following to your company, and they suggested that I send my question to this forum. Here is a copy of my email. I look forward to hearing from you. Karen.
"I have been using your program for a number of years now (I have BiB 2010) and have done some nice backings for midi files from the web or from written music files I have converted through Finale Print Music. I am a singer not a musician."
However, my one wish is that you had more styles for middle-of-the road songs, musical theatre songs, non-jazz ballads and light classical music. With this in mind I contacted Garriton Music who have music styles available in the genres I am looking for in their “Instant Orchestra” program. Garriton is available in the Finale Pro series which is too expensive and too complicated for my use. If I bought their stand-alone Instant Orchestra package, would I be able to use this with Band in a Box, which I am now comfortable using?
I am trying to do backings for “Nella Fantasia” and “Memory” at the moment, as well as Agnus Dei by Bizet.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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You absolutely can use GIO with BIAB, and I'm champing at the bit to get GIO myself. I've also put in a request to create BIAB styles specifically for it -- I think we can come up with some fantastic stuff. Since GIO uses the ARIA player, it's very easy to use with BIAB. Here's a tutorial page all about doing so: http://www.pgmusic.com/tutorial_garritan.htm . The most important thing, I think, is to set the ARIA player as the default synth (which will open one instance of ARIA), rather than setting it individually for each instrument (which will open an instance for however many tracks you use it on). Note also that setting ARIA as your default synth does not preclude your using other synths, e.g., Addictive Drums, Alchemy, Rhino, WusicStation, SampleTank, etc., on any given track. (Cue Tim Taylor: "We wanted Band In A Box to have MORE POWER! So... we REWIRED IT!")
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
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Hi Karen, Welcome to the forums  Given the wording in your letter, I'm not sure if you're aware that these forums are for users of the PG Music suite. People who reply to your post (like me) are not PG Music staff. The answers given are thus based on personal experience. I mention this just so there is no potential for misunderstanding. When you said ... Quote:
I am trying to do backings for “Nella Fantasia” and “Memory” at the moment, as well as Agnus Dei by Bizet.
To do backings for these songs, you'll need to find either a suitable style in BIAB or a suitable midi file that could be used as the basis for the backing. If you intend to use a pre-existing midi file, it's likely that Realband will be more useful to you than BIAB.
The reason for the above is that Garritan provides sounds and midi information is required to play those sounds. BIAB can provide that midi information in the form of a style and since each track in a style (piano, guitar, strings, etc.) has it's own midi channel, it's possible to define a sound for each track. Similarly, if you have a midi file, it possible to define a sound for each channel in the file.
From your post, I formed the impression (probably incorrectly) that you may be expecting Garritan to provide backings in the same way that BIAB does. It will not do this.
Hope this information helps,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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" I am a singer not a musician."
Wow. Just Wow.
And those who graduated in voice from Julliard or elsewhere, with perhaps a Phd are what? Scholars? Students? not musicians?
John Conley
Musica est vita
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I suspect she really meant to say she is a vocalist and not an instrumentalist.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Quote:
I suspect she really meant to say she is a vocalist and not an instrumentalist.
I agree. And I also agree that Real Band may be more what you need, Karen.
The nice thing about DAWs like RB is that you can goof with the MIDI files as much as you want. The Classical Music Archive has the Bizet on this page, and the other two are popular enough that you can just Google them by name and "MIDI".
You can then load the file into RB, and transpose it, assign whatever instruments you want to it, speed it up, slow it down, etc., etc. You can even supplement it with a few tracks of BIAB-generated backing instrumentation.
(I do not mean to condescend to you, and I hope it doesn't sound as if I am. But sometimes, people simply don't know what the software can do, in which case I try to state a few of the basics. Just call me Obvious Man or Exposition Lad.  )
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
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Hi Karen and another welcome to the forum . . . If I am duplicating an answer already posted please forgive me as I am too lazy to read all the responses above.
If you are looking for good midi string sections for your backings the pickings with BIAB are slim. But with that said I have quite a few "show tunes" on my playlist, including Memory from Cats and have received good responses from audiences where I have performed them. In fact I am putting the finishing touches on Last Night of the World from Miss Saigon as we speak. With all this said I guess the short answer is that as BIAB stands you will not get an exact copy of any backing track, especially the ones requiring string sections but you can arrange some very good backings to every song ever written.
Later,
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Thank you all for your comments.
Yes I am a vocalist not an instrumentalist. I have basic music training and sing mostly by ear, which is why BiB is wonderful for someone like me to do backings with. There is a lot of technical stuff that I don't understand, (Band in a Box for Dummies anyone?) but I have learned so much just by experimenting and tearing out lots of hair!!! However, I love the program and all your comments are very helpful.
I have been in touch with PG music staff and they advised me to bring my query here to this forum.
Singing is my hobby and having the freedom to use my own backing tracks rather than always having to find an accompanist, (good ones are as rare, and as expensive, as hen's teeth here in South Africa), is wonderfully freeing.
I am also 63 and still singing and still learning! Isn't music wonderful?
Karen
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Thank you for your comments. I have also asked PG Music for some classic styles. I am going to have a look at the tutorial link you have given me.
Kind regards
Karen
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Thank you for your reply. I have never used Real Band, but I'll certainly give it a go.
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Ooops! New to forums so posted my previous reply to the wrong person.
Thanks for taking the trouble to reply. Didn't mean to sound arrogant. To me musicians are people who play instruments. Thanks for correcting my perception.
Karen
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Thank you, this is what I meant.
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Karen,
If you go into your other post, then choose "Edit" (up the top of the post and slightly to the right), there's an option to delete. If you do it now before anyone replies to it, it will disappear.
For future reference, the "Edit" option is available 24 hours after a post is submitted.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Thank you for commenting. New to forums but all these replies have been very helpful. I have requested some classic styles from PG Music so hopefully these will appear in time. The staff of PG Music seem to be very helpful and efficient. I am going to have a look at your website.
Kind regards
Karen
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I am very much a "learn as you go along" person. The software is amazing but a lot to get my head around sometimes, so any tips or comments are very weldome.
I have never used real band, but I will certainly try.
Thank you
Karen
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First and most important thing: TAKE YOUR TIME AND HAVE FUN. You will not break anything, there is no "wrong" way to do anything. I do not say this to be facetious or condescending. BIAB and RB are complex hunks o' code, and it's very easy to get lost in all the options. Figure out what simple things you wish to do first, and learn how to do them. Other details will follow. The tutorial pages and videos really can help a lot. We're lucky to have such a supportive company, and an equally supportive community. Ask us questions -- we want to help. And... SAVE FREQUENTLY. Save different versions, preferably at really good stopping points (i.e., just after you've nailed one thing you really wanted to get right and are moving on to the next). We'll be here for you. 
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I have gained a LOT of respect for people who mix and split and woof and whatever! I think if you are performing live and using all the goodies available in BIAB - WOW!
I have loved the journey from complete stranger to anything vaguely technical to being able to listen with pride to some of the songs I have done. I have left my hubby sleeping on his own until the wee hours of the morning trying style after style until I find the right "fit". Then I have had to face getting up and dragging myself to work only a few hours later.
Saving - ah yes - saving! I have burnt my fingers here and lost hours of work.
Thanks for your encouraging words.
Karen
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi Karen, I recently bought Instant Orchestra. Haven't had a chance to use it yet. Certainly some interesting sounds. There's quite a few classical & soundtrack styles that I'm hoping to try with it. Certainly liked to see more of the type of styles you mentioned. Quote:
I
However, my one wish is that you had more styles for middle-of-the road songs, musical theatre songs, non-jazz ballads and light classical music.
best wishes
rikki
BIAB 2025
Korg PA5X
Yamaha sx900
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi Rikki
Please let me know how easy/difficult it is to use Garriton with BIAB and how you do this. Before I buy, I would really like some input from someone who has used Garriton.
Thanks.
Karen
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I just recently installed my 2012 BIAB Everything pak (hd). Last night I skimmed through the new features guide. Now my head is really swimming due to all the new stuff. Anyway, of particular interest to me is pg. 22-25 that explains how to add a synth. (e.g......Garritan Aria...) to a midi track. However, even though I've been using BIAB for a few years, I still consider myself a rookie. It does appear, to me, that you can now use instruments from the Aria player. I would think that this would really increase the number of strings available for use in BIAB/RB. But, I'm not totally sure that I'm reading/understanding the Guide correctly, so I'm not running out to get Garritan Instant Orchestra yet. More experienced folks please chime in here. Thanks.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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