Finale Forum

Hey Finale Forum!

I'm using Finale 2012 and I'm arranging a series of New Orleans songs that require a second-line beat. I have the drum notation I want, but the playback leaves much to be desired. What human playback option/tempo is best for a rollicking, swinging, accented NOLA marching beat? How do I make it sound natural?

Thanks!

Dylan

Welcome to the forum!

I am afraid I do not understand what you are talking about - I have never heard of “second-line beat”, and I have no clue what it is.

You might get more help if you also ask your question in the forum on MakeMusic’s web site.

A second-line beat is a New Orleans-style drum beat that comes from the brass bands at jazz funerals and parades. It has sort of the same accents as a bossa with a slight Latin tinge, but swings very hard as well. For some reason I can't post URLs, so look it up on YouTube

Try swing in HP, as we may be talking of a triplet feel more than a straight feel here ?
Accents can be placed as articulations, and their playback effect (velocity, etc...) can be adjusted if you need a more dynamic feel.