I started using a popular inventory program in 2017. It had great features but was really not user-friendly. I had to search endlessly to find what I needed, and even then, there were limitations—like not being able to keep our band and chorus fundraising accounts separate or having a unified account for parents.
When it was acquired by another company, I switched, thinking it was my only option. Unfortunately, it was even worse—combining all finances into one lump without distinctions between fundraising, trip payments, or even different trips. Parents couldn’t log in, I couldn’t enter chaperones, and I was limited to sending monthly updates with links for account viewing. I hated it.
When I saw my colleague who recommended the first program I used at All-County, I asked if he was as frustrated as I was. He said, ‘Oh no, I’ve been using Da Capo!’—and it blew my mind again.
I’m only just getting started, but I already have a long list of ways Da Capo is superior. It’s easy for parents to check multiple students’ accounts. Importing data was a breeze, even though untangling exports from my old program took time. I love that both band and choir can overlap but remain separate when needed—perfect for joint and individual trips. Fundraising calculations are simple and helpful, unlike the overly complex systems I dealt with before.
The way Da Capo lays out individual trip payments and dates makes everything clear for both me and parents. Entering payments was so seamless I initially searched for a ‘submit’ button—only to realize it saves automatically!
I’m excited to explore the lesson features. Registering kids for Solo Festival directly from my account will save so much time. The credit card feature is a game-changer, meeting all my business office’s requirements with lower fees—and the fact that NYSSMA uses it leaves little room for objections.
All of this, and it’s more affordable with customer support that’s simply unmatched.
Ann Maine, Marion, NY, Winter 2025
Da Capo is amazing! Your willingness to tweak the software to make it fit all our needs is AWESOME! We have used it for NYSSMA Solo registrations and Area All State applications. It has saved me so much time and made my job as a teacher & chairperson so much easier. Thank you!
Andrea Wischerath, Watertown, NY, Summer 2022
As a county chairperson for many years I found Patrick’s “County/Area All-State Festival Management” program extremely easy to use. It eliminated the need to do the formatting for things like folders, name tags and stand labels. Sorting for selection, auditions and billing are easier than spreadsheet programs on my own computer. Contacting participating teachers for things like sectionals and auditions is all built in. Best of all is Patrick’s availability to handle questions on the program’s use and features.
Susan Rydzeski, Suffolk County, NY, Spring 2021