Music for the Stars: The Role of Sound at the UWM Planetarium
Mentor 1
Jean Creighton
Start Date
28-4-2023 12:00 AM
Description
This research endeavor combines two specific passions of mine: music and astronomy. In my time working as a UWM Planetarium presenter, the director and I had discussed areas in our work where the quality of audio could be improved. I wanted to apply the practical skills that I’m learning through my Music Composition/Technology program in a way that improves the experience of Planetarium shows for both our audiences and our team. The project is multi-faceted in its methods and results, with much of the early work being dedicated to “cleaning up” audio and music that is currently in use. This involves extracting audio files from their presentation, importing them into a Digital Audio Workstation (Audacity specifically), and making adjustments using audio processing effects. The specific effects used vary, but most often I ensure the files of a particular program all have the same average volume level with smooth fade-ins or -outs when desired. Each program is tested multiple times before its use for an event. I have been organizing the files in a consistent manner by using a title format that includes information about the function, duration, and original program of the file. This system, in tandem with a training outline that I will be assembling, should help future team members ensure uniform, high-quality sound – even if they’re don’t have professional-grade software to edit sound! I am also in the beginning stages of composing music for the Planetarium, in the context of a video that will loop as our audience is getting seated. Once the video is closer to completion, I will be working with Dr. Creighton and the designer(s) to compose a piece of music that fits in a way that is both welcoming and yet awe-inspiring.
Music for the Stars: The Role of Sound at the UWM Planetarium
This research endeavor combines two specific passions of mine: music and astronomy. In my time working as a UWM Planetarium presenter, the director and I had discussed areas in our work where the quality of audio could be improved. I wanted to apply the practical skills that I’m learning through my Music Composition/Technology program in a way that improves the experience of Planetarium shows for both our audiences and our team. The project is multi-faceted in its methods and results, with much of the early work being dedicated to “cleaning up” audio and music that is currently in use. This involves extracting audio files from their presentation, importing them into a Digital Audio Workstation (Audacity specifically), and making adjustments using audio processing effects. The specific effects used vary, but most often I ensure the files of a particular program all have the same average volume level with smooth fade-ins or -outs when desired. Each program is tested multiple times before its use for an event. I have been organizing the files in a consistent manner by using a title format that includes information about the function, duration, and original program of the file. This system, in tandem with a training outline that I will be assembling, should help future team members ensure uniform, high-quality sound – even if they’re don’t have professional-grade software to edit sound! I am also in the beginning stages of composing music for the Planetarium, in the context of a video that will loop as our audience is getting seated. Once the video is closer to completion, I will be working with Dr. Creighton and the designer(s) to compose a piece of music that fits in a way that is both welcoming and yet awe-inspiring.
