A software to write lead sheets

crocau · #1 02-24-2005, 07:25 PM

I am looking for a software (or freeware) to write down my lead sheets for my big band. I want something simple BUT with the possibility of writing chords symbols. All the software look like they were made to write piano parts ! I don't care about midi stuff, just a music word-processor. Any idea ??

Rob Hunter · #2 02-24-2005, 08:58 PM

I use Score Writer for lead sheets and I've been very happy with it. Here's the link:

http://geniesoft.com/

Enjoy!
- Rob
(Fellow Canuck)

Ed Fuqua · #3 02-25-2005, 12:03 PM

I got the free Final Notepad download, it's OK. You can't do 5/4 (or 7/4 or 11/4 etc.) in it, which is a drag. But it does have a chord tool, just pick a C instrument to write out the melody.

Savino · #4 02-26-2005, 11:06 AM

although a bit pricey unless you can get an educational discount. Sibelius is the most efficient, dummy proof notation software I've seen. On a side note, you have a big band playing off lead sheets?

Andy Allen · #5 02-26-2005, 11:19 AM

I have a much more modest need for a notation program - to make the eraser-smudged scrawl of my bass line/solo transcriptions legible to others (or even me sometimes

).

Do you think that the free program you mentioned would do this, Ed? Do you have a web link for it?

Thanks,

Bobaree · #6 02-26-2005, 12:07 PM

www.finalemusic.com

Andy Allen · #7 02-26-2005, 12:29 PM

Thanks - it's downloading now. I'll soon be able to answer my own question.

crocau · #8 02-28-2005, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savino

On a side note, you have a big band playing off lead sheets?

Well, I write the lead sheet for the rythm section (piano, drums, guitar, mmm bass) and I give it to my trombone player. When we play in quintet, the horn is simply blowing with the sheet. When we play in a complete big band setting (alto sax, tenor sax, 2 trumpets, trombone) the trombone player does some arrangments starting from the lead sheet.

I am not so good at making arrangments form horns... And I hate transposing in Bb or Eb...

We have to offer a variety of formations . You can't beat the big band, but not everyone has the budget to hire 9 musicians ! We get more Real book quartet gigs.... But then , we can't play Sing-Sing-Sing !