The music teachers at our school board have some version of Band in a Box. Problem is they are used to being taught how to use something, and the 3 that play in my brass band admit that there is not good starting level tutorial.

What it would take is for the songs that are part of the curriculum to be put in a folder for the appropriate grades, and a how to quick start guide needs to be included. The major problem is that they then need some kind of amplification system. Too many variables I think.

Again there is an educational niche that's untapped.

Sell a computer solution with band in a box installed, a soundsystem that works for a class room, a basic mixer a mic, and the music needed and bob's yer proverbial uncle.

An aftermarket that might exceed the current user base. And then a licencing thing to allow the students a pared down version, educational in nature, with a video, on a DVD.

Thus not only the schoolboards would be happy, but independant teachers could buy a version with drills etc for teaching specific instruments, trumpet, trombone, baritones, horns (real ones in Eb), the flute etc. Tuba would be a hit.

Given the pace of RealTracks and once the sort out the market for the genres, maybe they can offer a worship package and a new forum and just plunk all the on line hymns into it, no copyright issues, and we cussin, chewin, cuban cigar smokin, beer swillers can feel safe that the sally ann is not handing out leaflets in our favorite watering hole.

John Conley
Musica est vita