Sheldon Vol2 PINK

What it is: Sound Studio is a STEAM course geared toward middle schoolers focusing on sound design and acoustics. The program is based on the work of Brett Williams, a local St. Louis sound artist. His work inspired us to think of ways we could get students to think about sound in an expressive sense. The course is presented by various professionals in art, music and science, including local foley artist, Kareem Deanes, McKinley Junior High visual art instructor, Jacob Lewis, and Brett Williams himself. How it works: Six video lessons walk classrooms through different concepts like the mechanics and language of sound, designed with accompanying activities that will prepare them for the final project: concepting, designing and building their own physical piece of sound art using a contact microphone. Why: Sound is all around us and every sound communicates a message. This fun challenge asks students to think outside the box about what they want to communicate and how they would express it, whether through music or by imitating a noise or sound they might hear in the natural world. When: Teachers can sign up at any time, and once they receive the curriculum, those lessons can be implemented on their own timeline. Where: The comfort of your own classroom! To find out more about bringing Sound Studio into your classroom, visit Support this and other Sheldon education programs by donating at VOLUME sat down with Katelyn Galenski, STEAM Program Manager at The Sheldon, to get a sneak peek into the new program she spearheaded along with teaching artist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Syrhea Conaway and education consultant Raymond E. Wicks, Ph.D. Sheldon Sound Studio is made possible by Foley artists devise and record the everyday sounds heard in films, television shows, and video games—noises like swishing of clothing, footsteps, squeaky doors or breaking glass. A contact mic is a form of microphone that senses audio vibrations through contact with solid objects. A contact mic receives and derives its audio signal from mechanical vibrations instead of airborne sound waves. STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 11 VOLUME Art that Takes Up Space