Band-in-a-Box

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Band-in-a-Box is a MIDI music arranger software packwage for Windows and Mac OS produced by PG Music. Given the chords, the program automatically generates accompaniment and complex instrumental solos and melodies, resembling styles of famous musicians. Music characterising the styles Django Reinhardt, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, The Eagles, Prince, Hank Williams and lots of other artists from many genres of music can be generated by Band-in-a-Box.

A simple arrangement can be created from scratch quickly: after entering chords (e.g. typing Cmaj7, Dm, or Bb6), the user selects a style and presses the play button. Styles, the key in which the music is played, tempo, choice of instruments, and choice of harmonies can all be changed with the click of the mouse to suit the user.

Although these are the core functionalities in Band-in-a-Box, there are many other things it can do from functioning as a recorder, Karaoke machine with big lyrics, to the automatic composition of melodies complete with accompaniment and song title.

Although meant for players of any genre of music from Bluegrass to hip hop or classical, Band-in-a-Box's forte is jazz, due to the inclinations and musical origination of its inventor and founder, Dr. Peter Gannon. This shines through in the more realistic 'jazziness' of its jazz oriented styles.

Band-in-a-Box is used by many musicians as a practice tool. Although the earlier styles sounded contrived and 'chinky', latest styles are more realistic. Together with a good bass and other instruments, Band-in-a-Box is increasingly being used by many musicians who want to play in a band setting without having to get together a group of musicians or having them play countless repetitions.

It has also been used as a teaching tool by some music teachers, who see it as way to make lessons more interactive, realistic, and perhaps more fun.

Band-in-a-Box also sells Styles, Soloist disks, Melodist disks, Teaching aids and other add-ons.