LMS Sound Design T3

Sound Design is an exploratory class that provides students with a way to explore music by creating sound electronically. Using a program called Sound Trap, we are able to explore loops, record our voices, and mix and balance multiple tracks. First, we explored how music can express a mood or feeling in movies, television, songs, etc. Then they got the chance to make their own track.

Throughout the trimester, we created different moods through sound, lifted each other up by writing and recording hype tracks, persuaded customers to purchase ordinary objects we use each day, and created our own audiobooks and added in sound effects to enhance their stories.

Soundscapes

As an introduction to using Soundtrap and adding tracks, we made our own soundscapes. Soundscapes are the sounds heard in a particular location, considered as a whole. The class had to create between 1-3 30-45 second soundscape of a particular location. There must be at least 4 different tracks (more encouraged). The tracks should not be all played at the same time.

Mood Tracks

As a class, we explored how sound can convey different moods or emotions. We listened to a playlist of songs that included Lovely Day by Bill Withers, Imperial March from Star Wars, Remember Me from Coco, and the Halloween Theme. As a class, we discussed what elements made each of the songs sound like the specific emotion or mood including dynamics (loud/soft), tempo (fast/slow), harmonies, etc. From there, the students got to create their own track with a mood they wanted to express.

Ads for Everyday Objects

Audio is used to advertise products through the radio and television. We talked about how advertisements need to be attention-getting, inform listeners how a product can be useful/necessary, creative, and have a catchy tag or slogan to entice potential customers. We decided as a class that it would make it more fun and challenging to make advertisements for ordinary objects we might take for granted in our daily lives.

Children's Audio Book with Sound Effects

The class was challenged to enhance the reading experience for our youngest readers here at AACA by creating audiobooks using children's stories. The students needed to read at a slower pace with enthusiasm in their voices to convey what is happening in the story. Then they need to add in sound effects.

Summer Anthem or Music Informercial

Using the Studio Habits of Mind

Develop Craft: I can explore loops, record our voices, and mix and balance multiple tracks

Envision: What will my work sound and/or feel like when it’s finished? What steps will I take to complete my work?

Engage and Persist: How can I work through mistakes or problems to find solutions?

Reflect: What did I find most challenging and how did I overcome this challenge?

Engage & Persist: I look for creative solutions to problems I encounter. I ask for help when I get stuck.

About the Studio Habits of Mind

Arts classes at AACA use the Studio Habits of Mind as a framework for guiding student learning. These 8 habits describe the learning and thinking processes that students engage in as they create art, music, drama, and dance with us. Look for these habits throughout the project descriptions in arts classes portfolios to better understand the learning goals we are working on with your children.