New Aria Diva Stand Light

I've used a standard Manhassett stand light for quite some time, having bought it in a pinch when the pit was darker than expected one day. In the end, the light did little to alleviate matters, but I made due until recently when I decided to treat myself to a new LED light. I looked at several and ended up soliciting advice from the know-it-alls at The Trombone Forum. Here's the thread.

I ended up with an Aria Diva - it's super bright and easily illuminates the whole stand. I was concerned that the audience or other players would find it distracting, but I asked around and nobody had any issues. Which is more than I can say for standard lights when pointed the wrong way!

Great band scheduling app!

Our band struggles a bit to keep track of the comings and goings of members.... who's coming to rehearsal tonight, do we have enough euphoniums for the concert, etc. So I sent a message out to a band group I belong to asking for some advice. I've used a Google spreadsheet for ages, but it's laborious to fill in and not a great management tool.

So, within an hour, I got a message from the leader of the Nottingham Concert Band recommending Muzodo. It looks fantastic! Seems to do just what I wanted - I can manage attendance, share schedules, and look at coverage by instrument and chair. Exciting! (Nothing like being both a band geek and an IT geek....)