New motorised banners transform acoustic environments in seconds

New and available from Black Cat Music, are Wenger Corporation’s range of Transform Motorised Acoustical Banners. 

Offering the benefits of variable acoustics for performing arts spaces such as theatres, concert halls, auditoriums, churches and sports arena, Transform Motorised Acoustical Banners can quickly be set to improve the acoustic environment and enhance the listening experience of the audience. 

The addition of Transform Motorized Acoustical Banners to the performance space allows the control of levels of sound absorption and reflection to be adjusted within a matter of seconds. Each banner, which deploys quickly and quietly, includes adjustable spacing options, both for distance away from the wall and between the two fabric layers. Control can be integrated with various proprietary intelligent control systems. 

Test results demonstrate a significant reduction in reverberation time over a wide range of high and low frequencies. By setting the spacing separation gap between fabric layers and distance from the wall, the degree of absorption can be controlled. Banners come retracted within laminated wood enclosures supplied with wall fixing brackets and can be deployed within seconds when called for. There are options on choice of banner materials for performance criteria and optionally banners can be digitally printed for aesthetic reasons if required. 

Delivered fully assembled and tested, Transform Motorised Acoustical Banners carry a 3-year warranty. 

Music folders look magnificent at festive events

With music events for the Christmas season in full swing, many choirs and music ensembles throughout the country are performing with their smart new music folders from Black Cat Music. 

Jemma van der Byl, Director of Music at St Lawrence College in Ramsgate told Black Cat, “Folders all received on time for our rehearsal and Carol service. Thank you so much for your swift and efficient service. Just what we needed!” 

Elsewhere, Fellow and Director of Music, Simon Whalley at Keble College, Oxford reports, “Just a quick note to thank you and the team for getting the folders to us for the end of last week. We sang from them on Sunday evening at a very big service here and they looked magnificent!” 

Imagine the visual impact at your Christmas concerts that can be created by a set of smart new matching music folders to give a great identity to your orchestra, chorus, band or choir. The hard-wearing leatherette covers enhanced by hand stitching and brass-bound corners are sure of a long life protecting your music and keeping it together. Choose your style and size, whether for orchestra or choir, some with options such as expanding pockets or retaining strings, pencil pockets and windows. And there is a choice of colour – Concert Black, Royal Blue or Cardinal Red. 

Black Friday announcement: offer on LED music stand lights will run up to New Year

It’s Black Friday news from Black Cat Music! The current 10 per cent discount on LED music stand lights will continue until New Year’s Eve. 

Black Cat Music’s popular dual-headed, bright white LED light simply clips on to any music stand to provide even illumination of sheet music. The standard version is battery powered, so no trailing wires to trip over in the orchestra pit. The adjustable twin goose-neck lighting heads pack the illuminating power of 4 bright white LEDs that thanks to economic operation give extra long battery life. Supplied complete with 3 x AAA batteries the stand light is ready to use straight out of the box. But if you want to plug in, there is an alternative option of using the included USB power cable supplied in the pack. Ideal for rehearsal or performance these LED music stand lights are bright, light and versatile and very affordably priced. 

Black Cat Music exhibited at Music Mark

Black Cat Music’s Martin Loft and Alice Dagger exhibited a comprehensive range of high quality performance equipment at the Music Mark conference in Daventry on 21-22 November.  

Alice Dagger commented: "It was great to meet representatives from music hubs across the UK. The conference was well attended by music educationalists from all over the UK, and the atmosphere was buzzing." 

Black Cat Music exhibited their range of music education equipment ranging from music stands and folders to staging and acoustic treatments. The new MusicPracticeRooms.com Express sound-isolating practice room went on show for the first time, and was well received by music hubs, as it enables music teachers to manage their space efficiently and cost-effectively. 

The Music Mark conference - "Progression in Music Education; Further Still, Yet Further” – was held at Staverton Park, Daventry in Northamptonshire, where attendees heard from some of the country's leading music educators, schools leaders and music industry specialists. “The Music Mark Annual Conference 2014 offered a forum to debate, share expertise and exchange ideas for developing the national picture of music education for children and young people.” 

Black Cat Music is the central distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation. Wenger is world-renowned for the quality and durability of its music equipment, and all Wenger products carry a minimum 5-year warranty. 

Music Education Expo conference programme announced

Martin Loft will help with acoustics problems.

Black Cat Acoustics will be presenting a ‘solving noise problems’ session in the just announced conference programme at Music Education Expo. 

Scheduled to start at 10.30 am in Seminar Theatre 2 on March 13th 2015, acoustic specialists from sponsors Black Cat Music and MusicPracticeRooms.com will talk through common noise problems experienced in schools and how they can be remedied. The session also promises to demonstrate how thanks to recent developments in sound isolating rooms, their new Express version can be assembled rapidly using only a few basic tools. 

And if the prospect of this important learning experience is not enough, Black Cat Music is providing a free breakfast! 

Music Education Expo is the UK’s largest conference and exhibition for music teachers. Hosted in four conference theatres, the 2015 conference programme will feature more than 50 high-quality professional development sessions designed for primary, secondary and instrumental/vocal music teachers. The event takes place at The Barbican, London on 12th an 13th March 2015.  

Sound isolating room provides brilliant teaching environment at Eton College

Pipe Major Jim Motherwell BEM is impressed with the MusicPracticeRooms.com sound isolating room recently installed at Eton College by Black Cat Music. 

In a video interview Pipe Major Jim Motherwell, formerly of the 1st Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders explains that bagpipes are not woodwind instruments, but are classed as instruments of war. Bagpipes originated among the Scottish battalions as they could be clearly heard on the battlefield. So quite a challenge for a teaching environment, where one aim was to prevent the sound of the pipes causing interference for 16 nearby classrooms teaching other instruments. 

One concern, quickly put to rest, thanks to a visit to the demonstration room set up on Black Cat Music’s stand at Music Education Expo exhibition, was how the pipes would sound inside the sound isolating room. Jim brought his pipes along and was not only impressed by the acoustic environment, but also the build quality of the room itself. Another issue when teaching 6 hours every day was the absence of daylight, a concern that was resolved by integrating three windows providing exterior views of the playing fields. The result, “an absolutely brilliant teaching environment and the boys love it” was Jim Motherwells’ verdict. 

The Sound Isolating Rooms are designed to create an ideal rehearsal space with a climate controlled interior environment for the comfort of the band in which they can practise without their pipe and drum music causing disturbance to other classes in the college. The balanced acoustics within the room create a quality space also suitable for recording purposes. The modular design allows for a wide range of sizes to be constructed, from accommodating a solo singer to a choir or a band. And as needs and space allocations change, the sound isolating rooms can simply be re-located when required. 

Popular band record latest album in Music Practice Room

South East based cover band ‘Back In Time’ opted to use a Music Practice Room at Black Cat Music’s Tonbridge HQ as a drum booth when recording their latest album. 

'Back in Time' band member Martyn Wright also heads up the company’s IT department and was aware of the acoustic characteristics of the Music Practice Rooms making them suitable for recording purposes. In addition to Martyn who plays guitar and keyboard, other band members of ‘Back in Time’ are Mark on guitar, Dave on bass and Ray on Drums. All four musicians are also accomplished singers. 

The band has been performing on the club circuit in the south east of England since 2007, receiving constant favourable reviews and repeat club bookings due to their popularity with audiences. They have their own style of music, covering the more traditional material from legends such as The Beatles, The Kinks, Elvis Presley, and the Rolling Stones, but also include numbers by ZZ Top, Dire Straits, Queen, Bryan Adams – to name but a few. They are enjoyed equally by both listening and dancing audiences. 

The balanced acoustics within the sound isolating room creates a quality space suitable for recording purposes. The modular design allows for a wide range of sizes to be constructed, from accommodating a solo singer to a choir or a band. And as needs and space allocations change, the sound isolating rooms can simply be re-located when required. 

Black Cat ready for Music Mark

The Black Cat Music team are looking forward to attending this weekend’s Music Mark conference, being staged in Daventry on 21 and 22 November. 

On show from Black Cat Music will be MusicPracticeRooms.com EXPRESS, a new self-assembly sound isolating cabin. Delivered as a flat pack and requiring only a screwdriver, spirit level, Allen keys and a step ladder it is designed for rapid installation and can be assembled in a couple of hours. Thanks to patented, interlocking acoustic panels manufactured from special high performance materials, the cabin enjoys a high integrity acoustic barrier that effectively blocks sound escape both into and out of the space. Perfect for home studios, acoustic booths, school music practice rooms, recording studios, voiceover rooms and vocal booths, these cabins are also ideally suited for use as confidential meeting rooms, language laboratories, examination rooms, audiometry rooms and medical testing. 

Apart from introducing MusicPracticeRooms.com EXPRESS,, the Black Cat Music team will also be presenting a comprehensive range of of high quality performance equipment including ergonomic orchestra chairs, stage systems, music stands, stand lights and instrument and music storage systems. Black Cat Music is the central distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation. Wenger is world-renowned for the quality and durability of its music equipment, and all Wenger products carry a minimum 5-year warranty. 

The Music Mark conference - "Progression in Music Education; Further Still, Yet Further” –takes place on 21 and 22 November at Staverton Park, Daventry in Northamptonshire. Attendees will hear from some of the country's leading music educators, schools leaders and music industry specialists. “The Music Mark Annual Conference 2014 is a two-day event which offers a forum to debate, share expertise and exchange ideas for developing the national picture of music education for children and young people”, advise the event organisers. 

Music Expo Awards Finalists to be announced this month

Finalists for the Music Teacher Awards for Excellence are set to be announced on 21st November. Once again Black Cat Music and MusicPracticeRooms.com are sponsoring the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The 2015 Awards will be presented at a gala evening at The Grange St Pauls Hotel in London, on the first night of Music Education Expo (12 March 2015). “Created to celebrate excellence in music education, the Music Teacher Awards for Excellence are now in their third year for 11 award categories. 

Nominations were invited from all sections of the public. The shortlist will be announced online 21st November and in the December issue of Music Teacher magazine and on the Black Cat Music news channels. 

Express route to Amsterdam

When the Muziekgebouw

concert venue in Amsterdam needed 100 Wenger Musician Chairs on super fast delivery Black Cat Music’s John Weyland made sure they arrived on time by driving them over personally.

Black Cat Music marketing manager Alice Dagger said, “It was a matter of pulling out all the stops to get them on site on time, but full marks to our team at Tonbridge who made it happen.”

The Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ is the Netherlands’ most important stage for contemporary music, as well as for classical music with a modern twist. The main auditorium is equally well suited for intimate chamber music as well as large orchestras. It's a really exciting venue - in the main auditorium the walls, floor, ceiling and audience chairs all move up and down to adjust the auditorium space.  It's right on the harbour, so ships can moor right next to the auditorium, creating some dramatic views through the massive concert hall windows. 

Back from Deutsch Orchestertag

The Black Cat Music sponsored sausage stall proved popular.

Back from a successful weekend at the Deutsch Orchestertag the Black Cat Music team returned to their offices in Tonbridge and Berlin. 

Myke Millward said, “The conference was well supported and very instructive. It was great to discuss with delegates our comprehensive programe of high quality performance equipment including ergonomic orchestra chairs, conductor’s equipment, stage systems, music stands, stand lights and instrument and music storage systems.” 

The Black Cat Music sponsored sausage stall proved extremely popular during breaks in a packed events programme. 

Black Cat Music is the central distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation. Wenger is world-renowned for the quality and durability of its music equipment, and all Wenger products carry a minimum 5-year warranty. 

Smart new web site for MusicPracticeRooms.com

Black Cat Music sister company, MusicPracticeRooms.com has launched a slick new web site. 

www.musicpractice rooms.com gets straight to the point with a list of benefits and quick links to three popular areas of application for sound isolation rooms. 

• Schools and Colleges 
• Music recording studio rooms
• Home practice rooms

For music teachers, artists and recording engineers interested in the concept of sound isolation rooms to provide both a pleasant acoustic environment in which to practice, rehearse and record, as well as containing the noise to the benefit of others nearby, then the video interviews provide great insight and endorsement. Learn of the successful experiences of how existing users have not only solved previous noise pollution problems, but also made greater use of their space, accommodated more musicians and run more classes. 

There is plenty of technical data here too including specifications and example floor plans, plus news, case studies and contact links to request a quotation. And if you are not ready right now and want to keep informed of new developments, then you can follow on Twitter or sign up for a quarterly email newsletter. 

LED music stand light no wires, no fuss - it just clips on

A great offer from Black Cat Music throughout November is a 10 per cent discount on LED music stand lights. 

Black Cat Music’s popular dual-headed, bright white LED light simply clips on to any music stand to provide even illumination of sheet music. The standard version is battery powered, so no trailing wires to trip over in the orchestra pit. The adjustable twin goose-neck lighting heads pack the illuminating power of 4 bright white LEDs that thanks to economic operation give extra long battery life. Supplied complete with 3 x AAA batteries the stand light is ready to use straight out of the box. But if you want to plug in, there is an alternative option of using the included USB power cable supplied in the pack. Ideal for rehearsal or performance these LED music stand lights are bright, light and versatile and very affordably priced. 

Black Cat on the mark for St Cecilia's Day conference

Taking their marks, ready for the Music Mark conference, being staged this year in Daventry, are members of the Black Cat Music team. 

The Music Mark conference - "Progression in Music Education; Further Still, Yet Further” – coincides with St Cecilia's Day and takes place on 21 and 22 November at Staverton Park, Daventry in Northamptonshire. Attendees will hear from some of the country's leading music educators, schools leaders and music industry specialists. “The Music Mark Annual Conference 2014 is a two-day event which offers a forum to debate, share expertise and exchange ideas for developing the national picture of music education for children and young people”, advise the event organisers. 

St Cecilia, the patron saint of music is celebrated on November 22nd and Black Cat Music’s marketing manager, Alice Dagger revealed that Cecilia is one of her middle names. Alice, who plays the piano, saxophone and enjoys singing said, “I reckon that this may be a reason I have always had a leaning towards music.” And Alice is not alone in her passion for music, several other members of staff play in bands or sing in choirs too. 

Apart from celebrating St Cecilia’s day, the Black Cat Music team will also be presenting a comprehensive range of of high quality performance equipment including ergonomic orchestra chairs, stage systems, music stands, stand lights and instrument and music storage systems. Black Cat Music is the central distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation. Wenger is world-renowned for the quality and durability of its music equipment, and all Wenger products carry a minimum 5-year warranty. 

Black Cat Backs Bangers in Berlin

Currywurst sausages are on the menu in Berlin next weekend thanks to the backing of Black Cat Music who are exhibiting at Deutscher Orchestertag. 

Members of the Black Cat Music team, drawn from the UK and Berlin offices, are not just sponsoring the wurst stall, but will also be presenting a comprehensive range of of high quality performance equipment including ergonomic orchestra chairs, stage systems, music stands, stand lights and instrument and music storage systems. 

- The goal of the 12th annual conference for German orchestra managers which takes place in Berlin on 2nd and 3rd November, is to promote the exchange of ideas and articulate the interests of more than 150 German orchestras. 

Black Cat Music is the central distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation. Wenger is world-renowned for the quality and durability of its music equipment, and all Wenger products carry a minimum 5-year warranty. 

Still time to order music folders at a discount

With rehearsals getting under way for end of term concerts, now is a great time to order music folders at a ten per cent discount , but don’t delay because this offer must close at the end of October. 

Imagine the visual impact at your Christmas concerts that can be created by a set of smart new matching music folders to give a great identity to your orchestra, chorus, band or choir. The hard-wearing leatherette covers enhanced by hand stitching and brass-bound corners are sure of a long life protecting your music and keeping it together. Choose your style and size, whether for orchestra or choir, some with options such as expanding pockets or retaining strings, pencil pockets and windows. And there is a choice of colour – Concert Black, Royal Blue or Cardinal Red. 

Take advantage of the October deal now while prices are reduced. 

Music Expo nominations close soon

Nominations for the Music Teacher Awards for Excellence close on Friday 24th October. Once again Black Cat Music and MusicPracticeRooms.com are sponsoring the Lifetime Achievement Award. Finalists for the category will be announced on 21st November. 

The 2015 Awards will be presented at a gala evening at The Grange St Pauls Hotel in London, on the first night of Music Education Expo (12 March 2015). “Created to celebrate excellence in music education, the Music Teacher Awards for Excellence are now in their third year, and accepting nominations for 10 award categories. 

Nominations are encouraged from all sections of the public, and will be accepted until Friday 24 October 2014. The shortlist will be announced online in mid-November and in the December issue of Music Teacher magazine. 

Acoustics work session in San Antonio

Acoustic experts Russel Todd and Christopher Blair introduce a work session at the Tobin Center, San Antonio where the audience become the ‘absorption factor’ as the sound surrounds and envelopes.

Turn the speakers up for this one! 

Looking forward to Deutscher Orchestertag 2014

The Black Cat Music team is looking forward to attending the forthcoming Deutscher Orchestertag 2014 in Berlin next month. 

The goal of the 12th annual conference for German orchestra managers which takes place in Berlin on 2nd and 3rd November, is to promote the exchange of ideas and articulate the interests of more than 150 German orchestras. Opportunities for discussion and information on the latest developments and strategies for pricing are encompassed in the conference sessions. Cultural and political issues will also be up for discussion.The central theme of this year’s conference will be concert promotion and how to grow audiences. 

Delegates will also have an opportunity to improve their leadership skills. And, as before, Mr. Rolf Bolwin the German Stage Association will update attendees on the latest developments within the German orchestra scene. 

Black Cat Music will exhibit a wide range of high quality performance equipment including ergonomic orchestra chairs, stage systems, music stands, stand lights and instrument and music storage systems. 

Black Cat Music is the central distributor in Europe and Russia for Wenger Corporation. Wenger is world-renowned for the quality and durability of its music equipment, and all Wenger products carry a minimum 5-year 

Flex conductor’s system offers great flexibility

Taking a closer look at the Flex Conductor’s System …. 

Enhance your personal style 

Your conducting style is personal, so you would expect your stand to reflect that. With the Flex stand, you have many options so your equipment won't interfere with your conducting. The dual-lock desk can be positioned with the desk lip toward or away from the conductor, while height can be adjusted without putting your foot on the base for easy adjustment when on the podium. 

Stay organized 

The better organized you are, the better the rehearsal and with the Flex Conductor's System, you can keep all your teaching and conducting tools within easy reach. Optional baskets keep additional scores and materials within easy reach, or add TechBridge and optional accessories mounts to customize for your particular needs. 

Look as good as you sound 

As the conductor, you're the focal point for your ensemble and for your audience and thanks to its contemporary styling, the Flex Stand enhances that professional look. 

Easy mobility 

As a conductor, your stand has to be more substantial, but you also want to be able to take it with you. With the Flex Stand, that's not a problem as its wheeled base allows easy transport from one venue to another. 

Introducing Flex TechBridge for flexible configuration 

No two rehearsal rooms as the same, which is why Flex TechBridge is so adaptable to your space and needs. Configurable in length, it can accept a variety of accessory mounts and be used alone or in combination with Flex Conductor's Stand. Height is adjustable for use with podiums. And if you want to incorporate a Keyboard Mount, an iPad Mount or Laptop Mount – or even create your own accessories with Bridge Clips – then Flex TechBridge has the answers. 

Sign up for Signature Choral Risers

Assembling Wenger 3 or 4-Step Choral Risers is a piece of cake thanks to a range of explanatory videos from Wenger. 

For owners or prospective buyers of Signature Risers the steps through the assembly stages right from removing the shipping packaging to the completed system. Mostly a job for one person with a few basic tools, the Signature Risers are lightweight and easy to move around yet offer excellent stability. A back rail gives added safety for performers and it all folds down to a compact size for storage. Elegant 3 or 4 step risers that fold and roll wherever you need them are the easy way to look as professional as you sound. Plus they all come with a five year warranty. 

Creating virtual performance environments at the push of a button

Want to experience how your music sounds in different venues? Then tune in to Wenger’s VAE technology in a SoundLok® Sound-Isolation Practice Room. 

VAE technology now offers more realistic acoustical simulations, creating the sensation of being enveloped by the sound and enabling musicians to hear themselves in various performance venues. With the option of selecting from up to

nine different performance environments, ranging from a small recital hall to a cathedral, students can quickly learn how to adapt to performing in larger spaces. The smart Virtual Acoustical Environment (VAE) technology can duplicate the acoustics of a broad range of performance venues. Features such as 
immediate ‘Record and Playback’ offers feedback during the practice session, or to record the session to take to the next lesson for review with the music teacher.
Upload’ and ‘Download’ simulates practice with a band or choir in the practice room simply by uploading accompaniments.

 

It all adds up to a major aid to performance preparation and rehearsal, while changing from one preset acoustic environment to another is as quick and easy as pressing a button. 

Structured Payment Options help spread the cost of buying music education equipment

When setting up a new music facility, remember that spreading the costs of equipment over the following years can now be a welcome benefit thanks to the Structured Payment Options offered by Black Cat Music. 

We know how budgets are tight and also that compromising on quality by opting for the cheapest option can prove to be a false economy in the longer term. So Black Cat Music came up with a scheme to spread payments over a period of up to five years. We use a government compliant operating lease, ensuring the purchase is within government guidelines. This offers benefits for government funded schools and organisations. The scheme smooths out budgets and cash flow while allowing investment in music performance equipment that doesn’t compromise on quality. 

The scheme also applies to independent schools and other non-government funded organisations. These education establishments will also appreciate the planned repayment benefits of a capital purchase of music education performance equipment, as a contribution to maintaining a healthy balance sheet. Repayments can be monthly, quarterly or annually over 1,2,3,4 or 5 years with VAT claimed back on all repayments. And with tax 100% allowable, with the acquisition ‘off balance sheet’ the scheme should prove of great interest to financial officers and bursars. What’s more, at the end of the Agreement, for one extra payment the equipment becomes fully owned. Terms and Conditions apply, these and further details can be read online. 

Wenger’s Director of International Sales on visit to Black Cat Music

Alice Dagger, Nancy Wagner, Myke Millward and Brigitte 

Director, International Sales at Wenger Corporation, Nancy Wagner is visiting Black Cat Music this week.

Alice Dagger, Marketing Manager, Black Cat Music said, "We're excited to learn about Wenger's new products such as their 'tuneable' acoustic panels, which will complement Wenger's existing range of quality music and performance equipment. Wenger equipment is designed to last - as is demonstrated by the minimum 5-year warranty given to all Wenger products. Black Cat Music is proud to be Master Distributor for Wenger across the whole of Europe and Russia." 

. Nancy Wagner is pictured here with Alice Dagger, Myke Millward and Brigitte Downes, prior to receiving training on new products that will shortly be joining Black Cat Music’s already comprehensive catalogue. 

Music Folders October Offer

If you were thinking of buying a set of music folders for your musicians or choir, then October is the time to take action. Black Cat Music are offering a 10 per cent discount for the whole of the month. 

Imagine the visual impact created by a set of smart new matching music folders to give a great identity to your orchestra, chorus, band or choir. The hard-wearing leatherette covers enhanced by hand stitching and brass-bound corners are sure of a long life protecting your music and keeping it together. Choose your style and size, whether for orchestra or choir, some with options such as expanding pockets or retaining strings, pencil pockets and windows. 

And there is a choice of colour – Concert Black, Royal Blue or Cardinal Red. Check out the October deal now! 

Audience etiquette

Leavers and latecomers is a theme of an article on audience behaviour referenced on the Wenger web site. In addition we could add texters and tweeters.

"Controversial  aspects of audience behavior – expressing dissatisfaction by walking out early and disrupting performances by arriving late – were recently highlighted in two lengthy articles in The New York Times.

http://www.yourperformancepartners.com/audience-etiquette/

"Walk-outs” vote with their feet and skip the rest of the movie, concert, ballet, etc., for a variety of reasons. A question about their motivation posted on the paper’s Facebook page received nearly 500 responses, evoking common themes. For movies, excessive violence was a frequent complaint. For live performances, the quality of the presentation factored heavily."

The article continues, " At any performance, however, performers have right to be offended by walk-outs only to the degree that other audience members’ experience is compromised by visual or auditory distractions these walk-outs cause. Such disruptions are the primary reason late-arrivals are banned from entering many performances until the intermission.

Performances start on time. Never talk during the music. Never applaud during the music…Do all you can to avoid impeding others’ view of the stage. Above all, if you arrive late, expect to remain outside the auditorium until the intermission."

In West End theatres the practice of sending tweets or text messages has been observed at a number of shows and this should be considered as part of the audience etiquette debate. What are your thoughts?