definition
Callers Caddy is an open-source music management software for square dance callers that supports the organization, playback, and documentation of dance music.
The software manages music libraries, analyzes the BPM of songs, displays lyrics during a singing call, and helps callers plan and execute dance evenings.
project
name
Callers Caddy
developer
David Goebel
Project start
December 2001
The first line of code for the caller Caddy was written in December 2001. The software was subsequently used by numerous square dance callers, particularly in Europe.
Software generations
First generation
technology
- Visual Basic
- Microsoft Access
Characteristics
- Music management for square dance callers
- Using external players like Winamp or Pacemaker
Second generation
The current version is a completely new development.
technology
- python
- SQLite
Status (2026)
Beta version: 0.30
The first official release of the new generation will be version 2.0 be.
The version number Step 1.x is deliberately skipped., in order to clearly distinguish the new architecture from the original software.
platform
The Callers Caddy is currently available for
- Windows (Desktop software)
The software architecture will also enable support for other platforms in the future.
License
The Callers Caddy is open-source software under the
GNU General Public License Version 3 (GPL v3).
The source code is provided via the official website.
Official website
Project page
Download
Target audience
The software is aimed at Square Dance Caller all experience levels
- Beginners
- advanced callers
- professional callers
Beginners benefit from an easily configurable user interface, while experienced callers benefit from the fast processing of large music libraries and historical data.
Main functions
Music management
Callers Caddy manages a central music library with
- Song title
- Performer
- genre
- BPM
- Lyrics
- Quality assessment
- Game history
Music files remain stored in the file system. Metadata is managed in an SQLite database.
Music control
The software includes an integrated audio engine with features such as
- Playing songs
- change of pace
- Pitch change
- Loop function for pattern music
External players are not required.
BPM determination
The Caller's Caddy supports
- automatic BPM analysis
- manual entry of BPM values
Lyrics display
Lyrics can be displayed during a singing call.
Supported formats
- TXT
- HTML
- RTF
Search function
Songs can be searched for by
- title
- Performer
- genre
- Evaluation
Game history
The Callers Caddy stores
- when a song was played
- at which club or event
This data helps callers avoid playing songs too frequently in the same club.
Song recommendation
Song selection can be supported by a recommendation that takes into account
- Time since the last use of a song
- Song review
Playlist organization
Callers can create a playlist at the beginning of a dance evening.
The Callers Caddy automatically navigates to the next song in the playlist.
However, songs start never automatically, but always wait for the caller to start manually.
Music organization
The software supports the categories commonly used in square dancing.
- Pattern / Pattern Music
- Singing Calls
Additionally, users can define their own genres, for example.
- Xmas
- Gospel
- Elvis
- Irish
user interface
The surface is fully customizable.
Functions
- Windows can be turned on or off.
- Windows can be stacked or arranged.
- Layouts can be saved.
- Support for various skins and color schemes
Import and Migration
import
Multiple songs can be imported simultaneously.
migration
Already available
Migrating from Callers Caddy 1.x
In development
- SqView migration
- SDPlayer migration
Data backup
All data is stored locally.
Backups can be created by
- Copying the entire program folder
- Archive the folder as a ZIP file
This also makes it easy to move to another computer.
Operating mode
Caller's Caddy is a fully equipped Caddy Software that can be used offline.
No internet connection is required.
All data remains on the caller's local computer.
Community and further development
Users can find information on the official website.
- Suggest new features
- Submit ideas
Many of the software's features originated from suggestions made by the caller community.
financing
The project is supported by
Sponsorship
Donate
Voluntary contributions to the so-called "coffee fund".
The software will remain free and open source.
Origin of the name
The name Callers Caddy is inspired by the golf caddy.
A golf caddy assists the player, carries equipment, and suggests suitable clubs.
Similarly, the software supports the square dance caller with organizational and technical tasks during a dance evening.