Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 2 1 2
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Perhaps those senior citizens could help YOU start a music night once a week. <g>

TALK with them. They aren't dumb and they've lived a lot longer already, I have found that many of them have plenty of wits about them, regardless of thick glasses and dual hearing aids.


--Mac

Off-Topic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
J
Joe V Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Quote:

My real goal is to stimulate these people mentally and increase their interaction with each other - even when I leave. Perhaps I could help them start a 'music night' of their own once a week.





...ok Mac, you caught me - this is something I would like to do. But aren't the things you're most personally interested and enthusiastic about the things that you can best infect others with in terms of enthusiasm ? But I do think the nursing home folks would enjoy this type of thing. Music appeals to most, and brings back lots of - hopefully mostly good, memories - compliments of the amygdala. Sure - it's fun to do this type of thing with younger people, or people my age, because they are familiar with 'trendier' songs, or songs from my era. They also tend to be more energetic, and at times more attractive to watch dance ; ) ...but the older folks are fun and interesting in a different way (because of that wit and experience you referred to) : )

Depending on what parts of the brain are still going strong, people unable to take care of themselves might actually be extremely proficient in talking history, science, TV shows - lots of interesting things. I have been exposed to this population when my aunt was in a nursing home, and in doing my Occupational Therapy fieldworks. So I'm speaking from some experience.

Off-Topic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,714
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,714
Quote:

Quote:

When are you going to start this venture Joe?"





I have a typical 1 to 2 year lag time from when I get an idea to when I start working on it seriously. I'm sure many of you would not be surprised by this after being inundated with my earlier barrage of posts (BTW - that's over for a while - at least until I have some vacation time again, but I think I actually got feedback and next steps for most of my long-percolating ideas, gotta get to work on them next

I do eventually pick up steam on many of my penchants. I think this one will materialize, but not sure exactly when.




Like my grand dad used to tell me, and everyone else , there comes a time in every man's life when you just got quit talking about it and do it. BTW he said that long before Nike did.

Later,

Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 317
Joe, I can relate to the forgoing information provided by previous posters. I played in a cabaret style band (guitar/banjo, bass, trumpet/flugel, t-sax/s-sax, keyboards/accordian, and drums). With that lineup we played dixe,swing,country,rock'n roll (no heavy metal), pop: also waltzs, polkas, sambas, tangos, tarantellas, rhumbas. What we did was get a rough idea of the "genre" of the audience and play to it. The result was we ended up with multiple set lists with many songs crossing style boundaries.Equally important is that good music incorporates: a structured intro, middle, and ending;steady, in the pocket tempos and balance. For example a younger crowd would have a heavier bass sound with faster tempos.
Equally important is that I would cruise the crowd before we started and during breaks and find out information on birthdays, anniversaries, special occaisions, out-of-town visitors, etc. Our band would then acknowledge that to the crowd during our gigs. I do the same procedure playing at seniors centers with the additional effort of getting to know the attendees names. When I play the next time I usually say something to the effect of "I see my good friend Elmer is here this afternoon-hi Elmer" I then cruise the audience during my breaks and make new friends. This socializing is an immense help in getting other gigs that pay. Hope this helps. Dennis


There are only 3 kinds of musicians: those that can count, and those that can't!
PC AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4 GHz, 8gb RAM, 1T HDD, Windows 10,
Reaper 4.77, BIAB2018, PTPA12, RB2018, Roland VS-880 DAW
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
One of the reasons I'll play the good old good 'uns that almost everybody remembers from childhood is the response we get from doing so in the retirement homes.

The staffers pretty much constantly report that someone suffering from Alzheimer's or other dementia, surprised even the staffers who thought they knew them well by suddenly perking up and singing right along with an old favorite.

I don't think they'd be able to do that with more complex tunes or tunes that perhaps were not embedded at an early age.

And, something else learned from having to do that is the fact that musicianship must improve when attempting to present those rather simple songs in a strong performance but still singalong fashion.

One of the most memorable compliments on my playing that I've ever received came from an old gent in a wheelchair, sporting a hearing aid in each ear. As we were leaving, and shaking hands with folks, talking a bit to each, this old fellow who had sat there silently, not singing, not speaking, looked up at me and smiled, said, "You sure can tickle those ivories!" Man, did I thank him for that. Then I asked him if he'd served in one of our armed forces and the old guy lit up and wouldn't stop talking about it.

Yessir, he'd served in the Navy, "back in the big one" over in the Pacific dontcha know...

A Dauntless Dive Bomber Pilot.

For once, the wife was the one waiting for me to stop talking with someone...


--Mac

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
  • MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
  • Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
  • Playable RealTracks Set 5
  • RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
  • SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:


  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
  • Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
  • RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
  • SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 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 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,377
Posts791,423
Members39,867
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
bob63, Pravetta, freshnote, Ripermarin4, cfloratos
39,866 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 281
MarioD 216
DrDan 163
DC Ron 149
Noel96 129
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5