3A :: SOUND :: objectives/get started

you asked for it, you got it -- sound (well, sort of). this project will be examining two narrative issues at once -- the aural communication channels of music, voice, and sound effects, as well as non-linear narratives.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES
• explain what music, voice, and sound effects bring to a narrative that is different from visual communication channels
• explain through comparison and contrast the different communicative qualities of music, voice, and sound effects
• explain the differences between simultaneous and sequential communication
• apply knowledge of narrative, its manipulation, and application across media in linear and non-linear forms
• apply the communicative potential of the various temporal elements (duration, motion, and transition) and communication channels (image, text, voice, music, sound effects) to classroom projects
• apply deeper technical understanding of flash, photoshop, illustrator, and video / sound software and apply to the production of classroom projects

to begin the project, let’s build a set of sounds that will work nicely with your chosen activity/hobby thingie. as with visual processes, your first idea is not always your best. collect a range of things to edit down and refine.

music (2 sound files)
- a song where the lyrics relate to the subject matter in any way. it needn’t be a direct or overt reference, but can hint at the subject matter if desired.
- an instrumental song (30-second minimum) that captures a feeling that relates to your activity/hobby.

voice (1 sound file)
- write a 30-second or less “voice over” narrative that serves as one of the following:

• basic introduction (tells what your experience/activity is);
• history (tells how it began), or;
• emotive/poetic description (tells what it’s like). 

in a test, i spoke about 80 words in 30 seconds, which is one (quite) short paragraph. keep it very concise. time yourself because you will be held to that limit.

sound effects (minimum of 3 files)
- anything involved in your activity, or related in any direct way. abstract as well as literal sounds are encouraged.

free sound editing software
download audacity here
and a nifty how-to handout to help you use that free software.

a digital audio recorder (built in mic) and stereo mics are available from the media center if you wish to do field recording. “mono” is single-channel sound, and “stereo” is dual-channel sound, allowing you to control recording and playback for a left or right speaker. an example is hearing two people whispering to you, one in each ear, or a siren moving (panning) from left to right.

DUE WED OCT 21
you will have two class sessions to collect all of your sounds and edit them down to the required number of files.