App for virtual band practice?

[Steve Roberts]

Just got drafted to play a song on Christmas Eve at church. The band is scattered all over town and it doesn't really make sense to get everyone together to work out one, very simple, song before the 24th. Can anyone suggest an easy to use app that would allow 4 users to hook up on iPads, see each other and play a song together? Does not need to record, I am just trying to work out the parts.

Thanks, and happy holidays to everyone!

[Kris N]

You might try Google Hangouts. It's free! It bounces back and forth between whoever is talking at the time, but gives you the ability to video chat with up to 10 people. Skype also works, but charges for more than a few, I believe.

EDIT - Skype does allow group calling. Doesn't appear there is a cost, but it depends on what device you are using as to how many can be on the video call.

[Seter]

Tinychat might also be an option, no account required and you just name the room whatever you'd like. Has the typical drawbacks of video chatrooms though, potential lags etc depending on people's connections.

[Timbofood]

If it's simple, just DO it! It can't be any worse than some of the things I've heard at any number of public venues.

[chrisoff]

Would video calling have low enough latency to play together coherently? Here's an article detailing some things to consider for internet collaboration with other musicians:
http://www.soundonsound.com/techniqu...-collaboration

In the short term it may actually be easier if you're all in the same city just to meet up for a couple of hours.

[Bren]

Exchanging webcam videos can work, via YouTube or whats-app or similar. I guess it's easier for ceilidh bands as we mostly play in unison rather than separate parts. And from a common repertoire.

[Bill Cameron]

Why dont you get at least 2-3 of you together--mix up some egggnog, have some actual fun...put a private youtube vid up for whoever cant make it to get onboard with the arrangement. And if its all that easy, you'll be done with that track in 20 minutes and can try a couple more. Pretty soon you'll get drafted again and you'll be ahead of the game! More fun than dealing with latency and dropped connnections.

[Timbofood]

Bill, that's a great idea but, I'm not,too fond of eggnog. Now, hot buttered rum, that's a different animal! Or just a bottle of good brandy can be just the ticket!