Change Is Good

A MIDI program change command recorded during the count-in period of a sequencer track will ensure that the connected synth switches to the correct patch or preset before playback commences. You can also insert program changes partway through a track (as many times as you like) if you want the preset/sound to change for, say, a solo. This is the orchestral equivalent of indicating on the score that at a certain bar number the violin player should put down his violin and play the next part on a flute! This isn’t something you’d normally do with live players, but a MIDI sound module is equally proficient on all instruments and, as yet, MIDI modules don’t have unions!