Stage timer...

[DrgMe]

Ok, please -
If anyone can tell Me what this is, a company that makes these and where I could purchase one, it would MUCH appreciated! The timer at the front of the stage in this picture:

[derrico1]

Not sure about that exact model, but here's a similar one.

[seamonkey]

Don't know about timers. I've seen big clocks like that.
I bet a timer isn't cheap. It has to have some remote way to start/stop it.

If somebody already has a laptop you could hook up a second display and drag a timer to it.

I bet an android would plug into a bigger display. I've seen HDMI on some android devices.

[DrgMe]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the feedback!

[videomagician]

That looks like an lcd monitor/teleprompter setup with just maybe a timer program/app running through it. On the left monitor it looks like his script.

[DrgMe]

Yes, I think so too. I wanna try and find something like that timer, preferably illuminated, to use for My bands performances.

[derrico1]

Does everybody in the band need to see it, or would it suffice to have it visible to the frontman (or MD or whoever keeps tabs on pacing)? If you're already using iPads or laptops on stage, that could be enough.

[Stone Soup]

What's the point?

[ga_edwards]

Or just wear a wristwatch.

[mellowinman]

Originally Posted by ga_edwards

Or just wear a wristwatch.

This works great for me, except for band members constantly asking me, "what time is it?" and me answering, "TIME FOR YOU TO BUY A WATCH."

[DrgMe]

Well, the whole point was to have some large enough for all 3 band members to see and reference time to. If you improv enough, any real musician would, I'm sure, realize the importance to check time and utilize the recognition of time check after playing your part in which you can get lost in after playing so long. If you are given a time set, it's common courtesy to not over run your time and take away from someone else's

[kirkdickinson]

Looks like some type of stage display system. ProPresenter can do stuff like this.
www.renewedvision.com

[derrico1]

Then, it just depends on your budget. For that use, ideally, I'd want a display that would count-down (or count up) by measures, keyed to a tap-tempo, and could be also be reset w/ a footswitch after each improviser finished his/her time. (That way, if the 2nd trombone finds he's said all he has to say 24 bars into his allotted 60, the layers following don't have to mentally adjust their math.)

Alternatively, you could assign one band member to be timekeeper, and have a couple lights onstage that he runs by footswitch—say, amber for "end after this verse form," and red for "we're switching at the end of this measure." (Hood these lights so the audience doesn't see them.) Or better, just use an amber light, and have the players signal the handoff with body language, as customary.

[Big_Daws]

i am actually in the process of writing one up...its not quite as easy as one would think...lol but i have it all there i just have to finish it up...made for extended desktop mode or single...

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by Stone Soup

What's the point?

In anything but the simplest performances, there has to be an order the things are done in.

That makes the evening run smoothly.

A resettable on-stage counter, usually counting down, simplifies things considerably when there's for example 10 acts with 30 minute slots each and 10 minute change time between the slots.
The director of the show handles the master-counter, usually from the booth or from the wings.

Regards
Sam

[Big_Daws]

well you have re-ignited my need to finish writing this program. my workplace has some paid program which i think is less than ordinary, but i guess it gets the job done. but the program im writing will do what you are needing and more...

[Stone Soup]

Originally Posted by T-Bird

A resettable on-stage counter, usually counting down, simplifies things considerably when there's for example 10 acts with 30 minute slots each and 10 minute change time between the slots.
The director of the show handles the master-counter, usually from the booth or from the wings.

Regards
Sam

I hadn't even thought of that.

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by DrgMe

If you improv enough, any real musician would, I'm sure, realize the importance to check time and utilize the recognition of time check after playing your part in which you can get lost in after playing so long.

Wouldn't any real musician/band just go with the improv and not set a time limit. Play your solo, give a head nod to let the rest of the band know your done and move on.

I guess I don't get it.

[odineye]

Originally Posted by SteveC

Wouldn't any real musician/band just go with the improv and not set a time limit. Play your solo, give a head nod to let the rest of the band know your done and move on.

I guess I don't get it.

Playing with multiple bands, you don't have a choice but to play within a set time limit. I've played venues where, if you go outside your set stage time (including changeover) you don't get to play there again. Play too long over the limit and ignore their cues? Up come the lights, down goes the PA and off goes the power to your amps.

Honestly, there's nothing more annoying than that band who has no concept of time intruding on everybody else's sets.

[SteveC]

But if you know your time limit, wouldn't you just make your set fit? You know you get 3 times thru the solo and then you're out?

I guess if you are managing/running such an event I can maybe see the value of such a device. Then again, if your a band that gets the power turned off all the time, maybe you should figure it out.

We don't have such events here in the boonies, but we can generally figure out what we can play in 20 minutes.