Need suggestions for Software for video project

Sup suckas,

So I plan on making a video for school, and I was wondering if you guys can give me some suggestions on which software you guys like. I've heard good things about Virtual Dub and Sony Vegas, so I plan on using those for now. I'm gonna shoot some footage hopefully around the end of Feb and edit/cut the video, and finish some time after that. I'm trying to get one of my fraternity brothers to lend me a HD camera as well, but that's the least of my worries.

Anyways, so any suggestions? I also need some sort of music editor, one that can cut out the vocals and leave just the instruments playing, or can replace some vocals as well. Ace, I know you rap, so I was actually hoping you can put your voice in my video to replace certain lyrics with different words. I'll fill you in on more details later.

Much appreciated.

for video i use a combination of Magix movie editor 14, Blaze media pro and vegas. depending on my needs.

for audio. Blaze media pro, melodyne and a third which name i dont remember right now xD

Adobe premiere is a decent software I use not cheap though.