Windows 7
Finale 2011b
Kontakt 5
VDL 2.5
Oxygen 8 Keyboard

I just started using the Write Score Finale 2011 templates.  They are awesome except for one thing...

In Finale 2011b using an older VDL finale template if I want to change instruments from a keyboard to a cymbal, tambourine or other auxiliary instruments I would assign an already loaded Rack Combo B to ";Layer 2"; of the keyboard instrument. 

This had worked in the past but not with TWS template.  I would post this on TWS forum but I still can't figure out how to post on there. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks!

To post on TWS forums you will need to register first.

With regards to your Finale template issue, this should be possible. I will need more information with regards to why this function does not work for in your situation.

I have registered.  I have a username and password.  I'm logged on but I see no place (button) on the forum where it says ";new topic"; or ";post";. 

When I assign a loaded VDL Rack Combo B instrument (in Konkat5) to a 2nd layer on a marimba through ";instrument list"; and assign the layer 2 instrument as ";Percussion"; (just as the ";percussion"; Rack Combo B is assigned to channel 2 program 129).
I attempt to write in layer 2 on the marimba my keyboard produces the correct sounds but the notation is coming across as marimba music (note heads etc.)

With regards to TWS forums, once in the forums, select the Finale sub-forum and then select one of the forums groups such as Usage. At this point, look to the right, just above the topics. There is a button titled ";New Topic";.

Give me a few minutes to verify the steps for the template issue you are having. You should know that between Finale 2010 and 2011, there were no changes that would impact what you are wanting to accomplish. If you are coming from a pre-2010 version of Finale, then certain that you have identified the Layer 2 non-pitched instruments as such and loading the correct percussion midi map and layout map.


[b]Edit:[/b] You will need to apply a staff style change over the region when you use the non-pitched percussion. Additionally you will need to create the new non-pitched percussion instrument for the instrument list. Make sure it has it's own midi channel, then select it for the layer on which it will be placed.

Thanks for your help on this. 

I found that with TWS site, I needed to register through a link that was sent through an email and now I see all posting buttons.  I thought by registering (creating a username and password to login) on the site would take care of it. 

";Edit: You will need to apply a staff style change over the region when you use the non-pitched percussion. Additionally you will need to create the new non-pitched percussion instrument for the instrument list. Make sure it has it's own midi channel, then select it for the layer on which it will be placed.";

I took your advice and it worked perfectly although I find it troubling that I have to apply staff style changes every time I want to do this.  Either way, this is the quickest set up time I have ever had with VDL and a template for Finale. 

Thanks for all of your help!