The original goal of version 1.0.0 was to have a stable and more intuitive way to install and use Alda. We started by turning alda into a binary executable (requiring only Java), instead of a more difficult-to-use script which required the Clojure build tool Boot to run and was more difficult for Windows users. After that change, we began releasing release candidate versions (e.g. 1.0.0-rc1). The new focus as we approach major release version 1.0.0 includes the following overall goals: (*) Improving documentation so that new users will have everything they need to start using and being productive with Alda. (*) Implement the basic core functionality of the new alda command-line client, including loading and playing scores, working with the Alda REPL, and managing running Alda server instances. (*) Infrastructure improvements focused on pain-free typical use of Alda (allowing multiple scores to be edited/played at once, parsing and other performance improvements, etc.) (*) Smoothing rough edges and fixing "deal-breaker" bugs.