I received a call today saying that the rest of the technology order for my keyboard lab enhancement project is on the way! I thought you might enjoy reading about what we will end up working with in the new lab.
Existing Lab: Keyboards (16 stations)
Windows XP-based computer (boo!)
New Equipment:
12 AT831b microphones w/guitar mount (for acoustic guitars)
1 DM5ProKit electronic drumset
12 MyMonitor interfaces for plugging into the existing keyboard lab stations (think swiss-army knife)
3 PocketPod amp emulators
1 PadKontrol midi control device w/Reason Adapted, Live Lite 7, virtual drum machine, and a host of effects
6 Silent Brass Systems (2 trumpet, 1 French Horn, 1 Trombone, 1 Baritone, 1 Tuba, 1 mixing board)
Cords n’ stuff to hook it all up and together…
What this will enable me to do:
I will now be able to allow my class to all be in the same room at the same time working alone or in groups. We can incorporate synthesizer, brass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums- and can record, sequence, program, and interact in almost infinite combinations. I can now have a digital portfolio on each student and each group. I can now connect (via the GEC3) groups together to practice their projects and communicate with them and they with each other. We also have the makings of an uber-cool performance ensemble!
We will begin this project during the last 9 weeks. I plan to post my lesson plan/unit plan w/assessments and projects, etc. so stay tuned!
I have also basically quadrupled my practice facility (virtually) for a fraction of the cost of new construction- that made my principal happy!
What I’m missing and on my “wish list”
I’d really like to get an electronic wind instrument like the yamaha or akai so I can let my sax players jam along as well! (I can sort of do that with the AT831b mics, but sort of defeats the purpose of the whole “silent” thing…
Posted by obradley48 
