So, I packed my computer and all the gear as an insurance policy and backup in case anything weird or unexpected happened and set off for the Golden State Roundup in San Ramon, CA.
In preparing for the festival, I needed a better way of holding it while on stage. I've got the iPad in one hand and the microphone in the other. After awhile the wrist gets tired and is at an awkward angle.
So I went online and looked for a case or holder that had a hand holder on the back and found this one to try:
Here's what it looks like with a hand in it (not mine):
It worked pretty well, although I find I like to hold it more on the edge than in the centre of the back. This is so I can hold and scroll if I need to with the same hand. I did find an acceptable angle that worked well without having my wrist at an awkward angle.
This would work well when a wireless mike is used as then both hands are free if needed without moving the mike away from my mouth.
I've been testing this out at Star Eights for several months now as I get things migrated over so the next logical thing to try was a festival and see how things worked.
The best thing about it was not having to carry so much around, startup time of a laptop and finding a power plug to plug the computer in are all little distractions that are easily eliminated. Especially when continuous dancing or a quick change of cuers is needed. The iPad is ready to go with no startup time or power needed. Just connect the music cord and the microphone, do a sound check and I'm ready.
I will definitely keep going with this and eventually it'll be my main cueing platform.
