How Do I Change SATB to SAT in Finale Notation?
Switching from SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) to SAT (Soprano, Alto, Tenor) in Finale notation requires a few steps, depending on how your score is structured. This guide will walk you through several methods, ensuring you get the best results for your musical arrangement.
Understanding the Problem
Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand why you might want to change from SATB to SAT. Perhaps you're adapting a piece for a smaller ensemble, simplifying a complex arrangement, or perhaps you need to remove the bass line entirely. No matter the reason, Finale offers several ways to achieve this.
Method 1: Deleting the Bass Staff
This is the simplest method if you only need to remove the bass line without altering the other voices.
- Select the Bass Staff: Click on the bass staff to select it.
- Delete the Staff: Use the delete key (or the appropriate menu command in Finale – usually "Delete Staff"). Finale will automatically re-number the remaining staves.
Important Considerations: This method is straightforward, but it will completely remove the bass line from your score. Make sure this is what you intend before proceeding. If you might want to reinstate the bass later, consider the next methods instead.
Method 2: Hiding the Bass Staff
If you want to keep the bass line in your file but not display it, hiding the staff is a better option. This is useful for rehearsal purposes or if you anticipate needing the bass line again.
- Select the Bass Staff: Click on the bass staff.
- Hide the Staff: In Finale, locate the "Staff" menu. There should be an option to hide or show staves. Select it to hide the bass staff. Your score will update, removing the bass line visually, but the data remains in the file. You can easily unhide the staff later.
Method 3: Transposing and Combining (For More Complex Scenarios)
This method is best if you want to keep some elements of the bass line but incorporate them into another voice. This is more complex and will require a degree of musical understanding and Finale expertise.
- Transpose the Bass Line: You might consider transposing the bass line up an octave (or more) to fit better within the tenor range, if musically appropriate. Finale has robust transposition tools to help you achieve this.
- Combine Voices: Once transposed, you will need to carefully combine the adjusted bass line with the tenor or alto parts. This requires a note-by-note review to avoid creating conflicts or un-singable passages. Finale’s editing tools, like cut, copy, and paste, will be invaluable here.
- Review and Adjust: After combining the lines, thoroughly review the resulting SAT arrangement to ensure the voicing is balanced and musical. You'll likely need to make manual adjustments to the rhythm and notes to avoid clashes or overly complex passages.
Method 4: Creating a New Score
For a complete overhaul, creating a new score with only SAT staves might be more efficient. This prevents accidental modification of the original SATB version.
- Create a New Score: Start a new score in Finale, specifying three staves for SAT.
- Copy and Paste: Carefully copy and paste the relevant sections from the original SATB score into the new SAT score. This approach gives you the most control over the final outcome.
Important Finale-Specific Tips
- Backup Your File: Before making any significant changes, always back up your Finale file to avoid accidental data loss.
- Utilize Finale's Help Documentation: Finale has extensive documentation and tutorials that can provide more detailed instructions and solutions specific to your Finale version.
- Consider Using Plugins: Some Finale plugins might offer simplified methods for score reduction or voice merging, though you'll need to research the appropriate plugins based on your needs.
By carefully choosing the appropriate method based on your specific requirements, you can efficiently convert your SATB notation to SAT in Finale. Remember to save frequently and utilize Finale's powerful editing tools to achieve the best results for your musical arrangement.
