Glissando
So, let's get started with something, that I particularly like
A glissando... Like the following:
Here it is a harp, but this kind of glissando can work in any kind of instrument really. Strings, a trombone (with limited range), maybe even piano...
Specifically for the harp, I had to notate the first 7 notes (E, F, G, A, Bb, C and D), so that the harpist will know how to tune his insturment. The speed of the first seven notes, doesn't really make any difference, but it is usually 32nds as this always creates the notion of... haste.
On Finale now:
* How to extend the beam lines: Go the
speacial tools -> Beam Extention Tool. clicking on the bar of interest will show to handles. Moving the right one will move the beams. But it may move only 1 of the 3. In which case you will need to double click on the grabber and choose
all choices up to the 32nd. If you try to choose only the 32nd, it will move the bottom beam, but not the above.
* How to construct this wavy line: That is kinda tricky and takes effort, but I find the result very appealing to the eye, and the performers actually! In finale2000, on the
expression tool -> shape (on the expression selection) -> edit No. 1 shape (the legato slur shape). In the shape design window, select the legato slur and the double click on the middle handle. It will reveal 2 new handles, each of which moves half of the legato slur. Thus you can create any corner you want with 1 turn. Combining many of these small legato slurs, creates the above glissando.
In later versions of finale (2006, for example), you do not need to enter the expression tool, but simply enter a legato slur between 2 notes. Then edit it as described above (with the exception that all handles are already visible). Combine more than 2 to create glissandos as shown.