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On Creating a Jazz Score

How does one go about creating a score that would sound the way it is supposed to and looks the way it needs to?

I am archiving a score that is falling apart, and it does have some strange chords in it. It is difficult for me to confirm that I have the transpositions correct when the chords sound so horrible! I love NoteWorthy, but midi in general needs to update the reeds... :) Anyway, what I have for the transpositions is as follows:

Alto + BariSax            = -3
Tenor Sax + Trumpets = +2
Trombones                = 0
Bass                         = 0

Is this correct? I wish I could attach the file somehow...

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #1 –
I assume that the score is transposed with the key signatures matching the transposition of the instruments.
(The parts on the score look identical in key signature and pitch as they are on the individual written parts).

Enter each staff exactly as on the score (or parts) including the key signature.

In the Staff Properties Menu (F2) on the Instrument tab set the following playback Transposition (for playback) for each staff.

Alto -9 semitones
Tenor -14 semitones
Baritone - 21 semitones
Trumpet -2 semitones
Trombone (Bass clef) 0 semitones
Bass (and Guitar) -12 semitones (they sound an octave lower).

--------------
For good sounding reeds I use the Chaos 8Mb soundfont.
Example output here:-
http://tinyurl.com/2rq3rh/BrownsvilleExpress.mp3
--------------
Barry Graham
Melbourne, Australia

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #3 –
Then I do not know what I did wrong; it sounds absolutely horrible... here are the links to both the original soundtrack and the nwc file I'm working on:

Song: http://cid-6716a1a552743be0.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Media/05%20Chiapas.wma
NWC: http://cid-6716a1a552743be0.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Media/Chiapas.nwc

To view both (I hope): http://cid-6716a1a552743be0.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Media?uc=2&nl=1

I have double checked and triple checked the notation; there is no error as to that...:( If only it were that simple
 

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #4 –
I think there are 2 things that are playing into this. 1st, your transpositions are incorrect for the saxes. If you set them the way Barry originally suggested you should here a big difference in the ending.
The other thing that I think is playing into it is the inherent difference in sound between a wave file and a midi one. Depending what you are using for a synth on your system that that difference can be augmented many times. Try setting the transpositions on the reeds as originally suggested and see if that doesn't make a difference.

Regards
Keith
Illigitimi Non Carborundum

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #5 –
Thanks guys! Got it! :)

but Barry, what is a soundfont?

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #6 –
A soundfont is a collection of compressed wave samples.
The concept was developed by Creative Labs for use on Creative soundcards (AWE32, 64, Audigy, X-Fi etc.).
If you have one of these cards installed you can use a soundfont.

If you dont have a Creative soundcard you can use Synthfont.
http://www.synthfont.com
This is a soundfont MIDI file player that uses the audio side of your soundcard for playback.
It can be connected to NWC using a virtual cable like MIDIOX.

You could also use a software synthesiser like the Yamaha SYXG50 to improve you sound.
But IMHO the Chaos 8Mb soundfont is untouchable for sax sounds.

-------------
Barry Graham
Melbourne, Australia

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #7 –
If you have a sound card in your PC which can accept downloaded soundfonts. there is a wide choice of fonts to cover all types of musical instrument. A font has been recommended as very good for what you want. Sound cards, like much of PC equipment can vary widely in price,   but I have found that the relatively cheap Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 7 gives very good results.  It is available at around  £20 to £25 sterling.
 But you must have reasonable quality speakers connected to your PC if you want decent sound.

Tony

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #8 –
Yes, that follows logically. :)

But how would I find my sound card? I have Vista. When I open the Device Manager it says I have Realtek HD Audio, but I'm hesitant to think that that is a sound card....

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #9 –
If you have a sound card installed it will be listed under Sound.video and game controllers in Device Manager.  Mine is listed as "Sound Blaster Audigy"
  My apologies; as I will be away for a week I cannot reply further.

Tony

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #10 –
Okay, so Realtek HD Audio Mgr. is my sound card; How would I go about installing a sound-font?

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #11 –
G'day vermiculus,
Quote from: Vermiculus –
Okay, so Realtek HD Audio Mgr. is my sound card; How would I go about installing a sound-font?

That sound chip can't use soundfonts.  There are several ways to overcome this using soundfont enabled soft synths.  Synthfont comes to mind though there are others.

However, a VST (Virtual Studio Technology) solution may be attractive given the other effects that can be included (reverb, compression, EQ & etc.).  A way into VST is described here: https://forum.noteworthycomposer.com/?topic=6528.0

A link at the top of the first post will take you to the Scripto where you can download the PDF document that finally eventuated.  I've pointed you to the thread in case you were interested in some of the discussion that went on.

This part of the thread: https://forum.noteworthycomposer.com/?topic=6528.msg44833#msg44833 gives links to a couple of alternative soundfont soft synths (Thanks Barry)
I plays 'Bones, crumpets, coronets, floosgals, youfonymums 'n tubies.

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #12 –
Thanks guys! I would give you kudos, but there doesn't seem to be a button....:)

What did we do before we had buttons!

Kudos!

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Vermiculus –
What did we do before we had buttons!
We cut long strips of rawhide and laced it through holes in our loincloths ...
Registered user since 1996

Re: On Creating a Jazz Score

Reply #14 –
Truth indeed. Truth, indeed.