This is sort of a treatment of the Charles Ives composition – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallowe%27en_(Ives) – but I don’t know. The connection is pretty tenuous.
This is what I think happened:
1) I took a recording of the piano quintet and fed it into MIDI Guitar, creating a MIDI track that would supposedly be a transcription for one guitar of the entire piece. Of course it was nothing of the kind, and it was pretty harsh.
2) I then took this MIDI and fed it to BIAB, requesting that it provide a band to accompany this harsh guitarist. I used style _BLUGRSF.STY but kept only RealTracks ~427:Bass, Acoustic, Bluegrass Ev 130 and ~428:Fiddle, Rhythm Bluegrass Ev 130.
3) I then combined the BIAB tracks with the MIDI “guitar” tracks, and did perform upon these tracks assorted acts of unprincipled editing, ultimately rendering a piece of some sort for organ, violin, recorder, and orchestral percussion, concluding with a dramatic snippet from the recording by Leonard Bernstein, which is the only part that sounds anything like the original.
Short and sweet, just 2 minutes. Parts of this are really snappy, and I am pleased. I think the fast organ passages came out really good. This is a deranged little TOE TAPPER!
We have no idea how you did that (above our production pay grades) but the result is most cool.
"This is a deranged little TOE TAPPER!" Hard to add to that.
Fun!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
We have no idea how you did that (above our production pay grades) but the result is most cool.
Thanks for listening!
It's not as complicated as you might think. Production is essentially "do something to generate a bunch of MIDI data, then play with that MIDI data manually in Logic and use BIAB to generate an accompaniment."
As you might imagine, feeding a dissonant modern piano quintet into an audio-to-MIDI function is going to generate a lot of data, most of it poop. I just walk into the middle and start shovelling my way out. =8^)
You've definitely managed a cool arrangement of sounds on this one. What was your Halloween inspiration for this particular piece (outside of Charles Ives)? I was curious if something in particular sparked this adventure of it was more just wanting to create something for the season? Either way, neat stuff. Thanks for sharing!
You've definitely managed a cool arrangement of sounds on this one. What was your Halloween inspiration for this particular piece (outside of Charles Ives)? I was curious if something in particular sparked this adventure of it was more just wanting to create something for the season? Either way, neat stuff. Thanks for sharing!
I've done a number of other BIABified Ives pieces recently, including "Central Park in the Dark", which goes with "Halloween" here and "The Pond" to make "Three Outdoor Scenes" (see album cover above.) I can't locate a MIDI for "The Pond" but I'll hand-enter the notes if I have to to finish the trilogy.
This track is much more consumable than the previous songs :-) It's very interesting how you work with your instruments. Can't say I got it all.
It also feels as if you work with reversed sounds. Is that the case? I have some programs to do this (in Native instruments). I tried them sometimes, but it never came (close) to a song.
I am very curious how you will develop in your style. Continue the good work!
This track is much more consumable than the previous songs :-) It's very interesting how you work with your instruments. Can't say I got it all. It also feels as if you work with reversed sounds. Is that the case? I have some programs to do this (in Native instruments). I tried them sometimes, but it never came (close) to a song. I am very curious how you will develop in your style. Continue the good work!
Thank you, Hans! I am so immersed in these things, when I make them, they all start to sound normal after a while, and I love them all like little children, equally in their differences. =8^)
I think this one is particularly catchy because of the virtuosic organ part combined with a lot of stereophonic gimmickry, like hocketing a melody back and forth between instruments. And fast-tempo 1/16 note quantization – without that, tying everything together into a tight rhythm, it just sounds like mud. With it, it almost doesn't matter what the notes are.
Nothing is reversed. I just listened with that question in mind, and I think what you were hearing was a melody bouncing back and forth in the way described.
You appear to possess a quality of musical inventiveness mixed with a sense of humor that manifests itself in a singularly original manner in your compositions. There is nobody like you on this User's Forum.
Listening to 'Halloween: Allegro Vivace (Charles Ives?)' made me feel as though I was witnessing a laboratory experiment in which musical notation substituted for chemical ingredients. The result was joyously unpredictable and entertaining, too!
By the way, I am a committed devotee of Charles Ive's music. I think that his musical triptych, 'Three Places in New England', and especially the third part, 'The Houstonic at Stockbridge', is one of the most sublimely spiritual works of musical art I've ever experienced.
"Music is what feelings sound like."-- borrowed from a Cakewalk Music Creator forum member, "Mamabear".
You appear to possess a quality of musical inventiveness mixed with a sense of humor that manifests itself in a singularly original manner in your compositions. There is nobody like you on this User's Forum.
Listening to 'Halloween: Allegro Vivace (Charles Ives?)' made me feel as though I was witnessing a laboratory experiment in which musical notation substituted for chemical ingredients. The result was joyously unpredictable and entertaining, too!
By the way, I am a committed devotee of Charles Ive's music. I think that his musical triptych, 'Three Places in New England', and especially the third part, 'The Houstonic at Stockbridge', is one of the most sublimely spiritual works of musical art I've ever experienced.
Wow. I almost feel like I shouldn't quote you, out of modesty. =8^) Thank you, thank you. I am so glad I can do this kind of music and not be the only one who enjoys it – as poor Chuck himself must have felt a lot of the time.
Listening to "Housatonic" now. I'd never heard it before, and yes, it is gorgeous, like so many of his songs. Sometimes I think Ives found the perfect combination of heart and head in music. The "modern classical" genre would certainly be a much more soulless affair without him.
By the way, I am a committed devotee of Charles Ive's music. I think that his musical triptych, 'Three Places in New England', and especially the third part, 'The Houstonic at Stockbridge', is one of the most sublimely spiritual works of musical art I've ever experienced.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean