Making Modern Noise Assembly

Outside Sound aims to connect various art forms (including visual art, film, and music itself) to music composition and improvisation. Using examples that both engage and involve students, program director Chris Coyle and his ensemble demonstrate how different arts and mediums can influence and inspire each other. Additionally, essential music concepts and techniques are touched upon (singing, scales, chords) and the actual definitions of composition and improvisation are investigated.

The Outside Sound ensemble begins with a short performance set to visual art displayed (if tech is provided) on a projector screen. After introducing the ensemble and explaining the mission of the project, Chris involves students in singing or performing notes, scales and chords and exampling how these sounds can be applied or likened to visual elements such as color, line and space. This is then tied into the topic of music composition. Next, a visual art example will be shared which the students then perform alongside to, assisted by the ensemble. Moving on from visual elements, the concepts of theme, story and emotion are examined using a clip from a silent film accompanied by the ensemble’s music. This is a fun and entertaining demonstration that evolves to include students who will then use percussion, vocal sound effects and etc. to respond to the action on-screen and to create “foley” (the reproduction of everyday sounds that are added to film and video). This is tied into the topic of improvisation. Lastly, the ensemble will explain how music itself can serve as inspiration for new music - how it can even be “recycled” through arrangement. A rearranged popular theme will be performed to demonstrate this idea.

Best for: K-12  •  Special Needs

Also available as a Workshop or Residency!