Pyware+3D+Java+Interactive


 * 1. CITATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION**
 * Title: Pyware 3D Java Interactive
 * Author: Pygraphics
 * Publisher: [|Pygraphics, Inc.]
 * Copyright: 2008, (Version 5: 2009)
 * Platform: Windows (2000, XP, Vista) and Macintosh (OSX 10.4, OS 10.5, OS Snow Leopard: Version 5 Only)
 * Peripherals: [|Performer's Practice Tools], Director's Viewer, Student Viewer, Floor Covers Plug-In, Traditional Tools Plug-In, Spiral Tool Plug-In, iPAS
 * Grade/Age: High School, College, Adult, Professional
 * Type of Class: Marching Band


 * 2. TEACHER SUPPORT**
 * Instructional manual is found on the installation CD as well as the Pygraphics website.
 * A program demo can be downloaded for both operating system platforms.
 * A full working version of Music Office can be downloaded from the Pygraphics website.
 * A working iPAS demo can be downloaded from the [|iPAS website]
 * Performance Practice Tools including The Drill Explorer, The 3D Performance Simulator, The Drill Book printout, The Coordinate List printout, and The Thumbnail Charts printout allow students to view, practice, and print their drills. In addition, drill charts can be printed by a director for student use.
 * The Interactive feature of the program allows directors to upload their drills online so students and other approved users can view and animate the drill.
 * A variety of topics and trouble shooting strategies can be found on the [|Pygraphics User Forum.]
 * Some free as well as paid instructional videos are available at [|www.Band Fo.com] (recommended through Pygraphics website).

> 2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. (indirectly) > 4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines. (indirectly) > 7. Evaluating music and music performances. (directly) > 8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts. (indirectly) > 9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture. (indirectly)
 * 3. INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT**
 * This program allows directors to design marching band drills with computer software instead of by hand. Directors can print out drill charts for students to use during rehearsals as well as coordinate sheets and drill summaries. Pyware is able to sync music files with specific drill sequences as well as animate the execution of each drill move. Directors can animate the drill to teach individual parts of the show, highlight problem spots, or display the entire show in context. This program would also be useful for teaching beginning drill writing concepts to seniors for the "senior show" or to other students who are interested in the drill design process.
 * National Music Standards addressed through this software


 * 4. INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND PEDAGOGICAL SOUNDNESS**
 * This program is intended for use primarily by teachers and drill designers but also has other indirect applications to the student learning process.
 * A user can move through the program at his/her own pace with the ability to save and edit files; however, knowledge of the program, through tutorials or a class, is extremely beneficial.
 * Most students would need guidance and specific instructions from a teacher in order to successfully use the program. The program is very beneficial for students to learn and use, but a tutorial is needed to understand the tools available and to create a functional drill. Formation examples would also be beneficial for students to see.
 * The program utilizes a simulation structure to develop and model marching band drill.
 * This program is considered one of the "standards" by the music education community and is used by many different music educators and drill designers at both high school and university levels.
 * While the design screen for designers can be complicated, the view of the field and performer icons are clear. A 3D version of the field can be brought up to animate the drill at any angle and height, simulating different performance venues. In addition, uniforms and instruments can be added to the 3D view to help better simulate what the drill will look like, helping the drill designer to better visualize the performance outcome.
 * The graphics for this program are sufficient for the intent of the program.


 * 5. RECORD KEEPING**
 * Drill designs can be saved as individual files
 * New designs can be created from the end of a previous design file.
 * The Interactive version of this program allows for drill files to be stored on the Pyware website.


 * 6. OVERALL EVALUATION**
 * Overall, this program is a great tool for anyone designing marching band drill, in particular, music educators who assist or instruct marching bands. One of the main advantages of designing shows with this program is the drill can be animated right on the screen. This feature helps to avoid potential errors and collisions when I am designing a show and helps me to better visualize drill transitions and the show as a whole. In addition to the drill design features, which would typically be utilized by teachers or drill designers, Pyware has created student applications to help teachers incorporate drill design into the learning process. The performer tools now involve students in the process of writing, practicing, and learning the drill. Drill designers can also upload drill files which can be viewed by both directors and students with a viewer "plug-in". Overall, this is a fantastic program that greatly improves drill design and the drill design process, ultimately helping teachers and students!
 * Rating -- ++++ (four out of four stars)

Reviewed by: Brad Hruska 3/31/2008 Updated by: Mark Awad 11/1/2009