Since I notate for marching percussion in Sibelius without the use of a MIDI keyboard, I generally input rhythms and articulations on the proper line/space on the staff on the first pass, then go back and change the notehead numbers to complete the process.

Since some notehead numbers share the same shape (the most predominant being 0 and 31 for L and R hits), it would be great if I could display the notehead numbers above or below each notehead so that I could see what I was doing. Is there a way to do this?

I actually do all of my input this way too. I've found that once I get to know the mappings and keyboard shortcuts, it's just as easy if not quicker than using a midi keyboard.

You could write a plugin that would put the notehead numbers in for you, but it would take a bit of programming knowledge. However, if you're concerned about remebering the stickings, I'll be releasing a plugin in a couple days that will automatically writing in stickings for you. :)

Cheers

I'm not concerned about remembering the stickings, although I am interested in your auto-sticking plugin. I'm concerned about putting in the correct noteheads because these govern the sounds, which differ between the left and right hands.

Actually, whether one inputs via MIDI keyboard or via manually changing notehead numbers, I can see the same need to see the notehead numbers - if you're working with MIDI input, you will want to see the numbers when you go back to put in your stickings.

Will your sticking plugin put in stickings via an algorithm, or will it put an ";L"; for all Notehead 0s and an ";R"; for all Notehead 31s? If the latter, that would probably be good enough for my purposes.

[quote author=Joe link=topic=2639.msg14048#msg14048 date=1217872529]Will your sticking plugin put in stickings via an algorithm, or will it put an ";L"; for all Notehead 0s and an ";R"; for all Notehead 31s? If the latter, that would probably be good enough for my purposes.[/quote]

The plugin places ";L"; and ";R"; according to the different noteheads, staff placement, and corresponding instrument of the note. It should bypass any need to know the notehead number, which is what I was getting at. In the case that I need to see what notehead number a note is I'll generally use the properties window.