Programme 2: Mix It

Practical Activity

Processing Sounds

Compose a short melody or riff to play on a sound module with an effects section or sequence a riff on a computer sequencer with plug-in effects. Subject the sound to different effects. Make a list of the effects (e.g. reverb, delay, EQ, filters, chorus) and discuss how they change the sound. Repeat the activity demonstrating some of the processing capable on a sampler (e.g. adjusting start and stop points, looping, crossfades between two samples, reverse, pitch shift, time compression, expansion).

Sequencing Chants

Through discussion make a list of crowd sounds you would hear at an Athletics Stadium. Workout the rhythmic effect of the crowd sounds. Ask a group to use one of the chants to form a backing chant riff. Choose other groups to mix in other chants and sounds. Organise the chants to create variety by adding and subtracting. Alternatively, if enough samplers and sequencers are available, divide the class into small groups, and try the activity using pre-prepared samples.