Minds On
Today’s vocabulary
Press the following tabs to access today’s vocabulary.
- Sounds that can be created by using everyday objects, such as sticks, combs, pots, pop bottles, or shakers.
- Sounds from the environment, such as hammering, traffic, or birds, that can be used in creating a musical composition.
The level of softness or loudness, or intensity. Some fundamental concepts related to this element are: crescendo, decrescendo, forte (f – loud), fortissimo (ff – very loud), mezzo forte (mf – moderately loud), piano (p – soft), pianissimo (pp – very soft), mezzo piano (mp – moderately soft).
Let’s get started
Explore the following image and description of this photograph taken in Banff, Alberta, Canada
This landform is from Banff, Alberta Canada. A hiker is seated, resting to explore the sounds and the scenery in front of them. It is home to animals such as black bears, eagles, sheep and moose. A variety of insects buzz while birds chirp and sing. Tall trees with swaying branches sway in the breeze. Lakes can be found throughout the mountains, connected by bubbling streams and rivers.
Student Success
Think-Pair-Share
Imagine the hiker in this environment. What nature sounds or images might they experience in this environment? If possible, share your ideas with a partner. Complete the activity using “Brainstorm Map” in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. You can also use another method of your choice to record your ideas.
Action
Get ready, get set…
Did You Know
Did you know?
Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada
Mountains are one of the landforms found in different areas of Canada. A mountain is a raised area of land that is very tall with steep sides and comes to a peak at the top.
Collecting sounds
Let’s revisit the image from the Minds On section. This photograph was taken in Banff, Alberta, Canada in the mountains.
This landform is from Banff, Alberta Canada. A hiker is seated, resting to explore the sounds and the scenery in front of them. It is home to animals such as black bears, eagles, sheep and moose. A variety of insects buzz while birds chirp and sing. Tall trees with swaying branches sway in the breeze. Lakes can be found throughout the mountains, connected by bubbling streams and rivers.
What sounds and images did you imagine the hiker might experience from the mountain top?
Press ‘Let’s Check’ to reveal a possible answer.
If you were asked to create sound effects for this image, what sounds, and images could be chosen to create sound effects for?
Press ‘Let’s Check’ to reveal possible answers.
|
Possible Sounds |
Possible Sound Effects |
|---|---|
|
insects |
bugs buzzing |
|
bird sounds |
birds chirping |
|
water in a river |
rippling water |
|
wind |
wind whistling/blowing through the trees |
How could someone create these sounds or images using their voice, body or found sound?
Found sound
Found sound is using objects to create music. For example, a pencil is used for writing, however, it can turn into a musical instrument when it is tapped against a hard surface. Paper is used for taking notes but can make an interesting sound when it is crumpled it up.
Sounds can also be found in nature. Explore the following clips for examples of sounds found in the natural world.
Press the following tabs to access each clip.
Can any of these sounds be included in your sound effects chart?
A moving image
Let’s revisit the same image of the hiker in Banff, Alberta one more time.
This landform is from Banff, Alberta Canada. A hiker is seated, resting to explore the sounds and the scenery in front of them. It is home to animals such as black bears, eagles, sheep and moose. A variety of insects buzz while birds chirp and sing. Tall trees with swaying branches sway in the breeze. Lakes can be found throughout the mountains, connected by bubbling streams and rivers.
Explore the next image and describe any changes you observe happening.
This time there is movement in the image. Sound is not still. It moves and travels all around.
We can use our imaginations and the sounds and images we have collected to move from a landscape to a soundscape to create an experience like the hiker is having.
Every hiker’s experience is different and unique. This means that every soundscape can be different too.
What is a soundscape?
A soundscape is a piece of music that, through sound, creates a picture or an event, a mood, or a sense of place. It can, for example, include a sequence of sounds created by nature that recreates the experience of being in a particular environment.
In the Go section, you will compose your own soundscape.
Reflect on the following question as you develop ideas to include in your soundscape that can help you develop your mood and experience.
What elements of music can be used to represent the environment found in the mountain soundscape?
- Do you think the sounds and images would be loud or quiet? (dynamics)
- Is the environment upbeat and fast or slow and relaxed? (beat or tempo)
- Are the sounds in the environment long and flowing or short and detached? This is called articulation.
What is articulation?
Articulation is communicating a sound in a way that the composer chooses to express their music. These sounds can be short and detached or long and smooth.
Here are some examples of different articulation in pieces of music.
The following clip represents woodwinds playing long held smooth notes that flow into one another. The notes ascend (rise up) and descend (come down) the columns gradually.
This image demonstrates the representation of woodwinds playing long held smooth notes that flow into one another.
This clip represents woodwinds playing long held smooth notes that flow into one another without any space between them. The notes ascend (rise up) and descend (come down) the columns gradually. The tempo is set at a medium tempo at 90 beats per minute. A column is highlighted left to right as the piece flows past the notes
This clip represents a marimba playing short, detached notes that bounce with a space between. The notes ascend (rise up) and descend (come down) the columns gradually.
This image demonstrates a marimba playing short, detached notes that bounce with a space between.
This clip represents marimba playing short, detached notes that bounce with a space between each note. The notes ascend (rise up) and descend (come down) the columns gradually. The tempo is set at a medium tempo at 90 beats per minute. A column is highlighted left to right as the piece flows past the notes.
Long and smooth articulation can be shown by placing a marking over top. The marking covers all of the notes or symbols in a piece of music that are played smoothly and connected.
One way to show this articulation in music is to use this symbol:
Go!
It is now your turn to create a soundscape for the photograph of the hiker in Banff, Alberta, Canada or for an environment of your choice. Explore the following carousel of images and descriptions for inspiration.
A park in a forest area.
An open meadow with trees and wildflowers.
A creek with evergreen trees and a variety of plants.
Rolling hills of dirt, grass, and vegetation.
Let’s create!
Step 1: Review
Review the possible sounds, images, and sound effect ideas you developed previously.
Step 2: Using symbols
Each sound is going to be represented by a symbol to plan your soundscape. You may use the following symbols provided or create your own.
There is a table with four columns. The first column is titled “sounds” and the words underneath it says the following: insects, bird sounds, water in a river, and winds. The second column is titled “sound effects” and the words underneath it says the following: bugs buzzing, birds chirping, rippling water, and winds whistling/blowing through the trees. The third column is titled “symbol” with different images underneath it such a ladybug, a bird, water waves, and blowing wind. The fourth column is titled “dynamics” which has the same images just mentioned except there are two of each in different sizes; big and small. The fifth column is titled “articulation” and below it all the boxes have the same thing which is the word “phrasing” followed by a drawing of a smooth line right under and then the words” no phrasing”.
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Symbols.
Step 3: Plan dynamics and articulation
In your organizer, large symbols can represent loud dynamics and small symbols will represent quiet dynamics.
The articulation may have a phrase marking overtop if you want the sounds to be smooth and connected.
Creating a soundscape
Let’s make some creative decisions on how we would like to compose our soundscape.
Each of these questions represent an idea from the elements of music that we can use to develop our soundscape.
- How fast or slow would you like the tempo to be in your soundscape environment? Is the environment upbeat and fast or slow and relaxed?
- What sounds would you like to include such as insect, birds, water etc? Do you think the sounds and images would be loud or quiet? (dynamics)
- How could the sound effects for the experiences you selected be created?
- What symbols or images will you choose or create to represent your sounds?
- Are the sounds in your environment long and flowing or short and detached? (articulation)
Did You Know
How long is the soundscape?
The soundscape will be 20-40 seconds in length. In the following example soundscape, the number of seconds each sound is held for is in the row at the top of the graphic score (e.g., 0-5 seconds, 6-10 seconds, 11-15 seconds, and so on).
For example, if you wanted the bird chirping to sound from 0-5 seconds, you would create a marking for bird calls in the 0-5 seconds box or in your own planning page.
When your graphic score is put together, it might be represented like this example:
You may use the following template of the graphic organizer or develop your own way to display the information you need to design your soundscape.
Is everything included?
Check any box where you can answer YES to the question.
Checklist
Consolidation
Putting it all together
Use your learning to complete the following statements. Select the missing word from the drop-down menu.
Pause and Reflect
Let’s reflect!
Use the following questions to reflect on your graphic score.
- How did you decide how to organize and arrange the elements in your soundscape?
- Everyone has a different and unique experience when they explore different landscapes. What do you think made your soundscape unique?
- What parts of this creation process did you enjoy and what would you like to try differently next time?
- How might you change this soundscape to reflect a different environment? Choose one other environment and share the changes that you would make.
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel...
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
Press ‘Discover More’ to extend your skills.
Discover MoreNow that you’ve created your graphic score, if possible, perform or record it! You could practice with others to perform the piece live (or record it).