Band-in-a-Box is a MIDI music arranger software package for Windows and Mac OS produced by PG Music Incorporated. Given the chords, the program automatically generates a complete and professional-quality arrangement of piano, bass, drums, guitar and strings, in many popular styles. Music in the styles of Django Reinhardt, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, The Eagles, Prince, Hank Williams and lots of other artists from many genres of music can also 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; it can also function as a recorder, Karaoke machine with easy-to-read lyrics, composer of melodies complete with accompaniment and song title, and more.
Although it is 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. 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. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
