Hofstra Drama 20 – Sound for the Theatre

Sound Environment Observation 3 – Boxford, Massachusetts – A hiking trail

1-    Date/Time/Location

–         February 16, 2012 / 7:00pm /  Hiking Trail / Boxford, MA

2-    Identify and list the sounds farthest away from you.

–         There is this siren sound which is coming from a surrounding town. From far away I can hear birds chirping, and rustling leaves, and the sound of rain falling (pitter pattering) onto the ground/trees.

3-    Identify and list the sounds at medium range from you.

–        Patrick (my boyfriend)’s Dad talking coming from my left side, and the sound of Rudy (their dog) tampling along behind us. Along with Patrick and his Dad in conversation.

4-    Identify and list the sounds closest to you.

–         The sound of my sketchers hiking boots crunching leaves and grass beneath me. The sound of gushy/wet terrain newly gushified from the rain which has now become a light drizzle which is audibly hitting my jacket and hood covering my head. I can also hear my own panting breath as I try and keep up with Patrick and his Dad’s walking pace. Also the awkward sound of the snow gloves I borrowed brushing against my jacket.

5-    Describe the general sound level and amount of sound activity.

–       It is pitch black outside and all we have is one flash light. All that could be heard once the siren went away were the peaceful outdoors. I feel surrounded by life – between the woods and the animals… and Rudy trailing us. The sound activity for me feel heightened since we’re briskly walking on the trail. I would describe it as a peacful excitment… and anticipation of what’s to come. Walking through the woods is a surround sound experience because you are surrounded by living things… and it was heightened even more so because of the drizzling rain… which makes it exciting – yet relaxing. Of course our effect on the environment created disturbances because of our conversations.

6-    Assign a one word description to the “sound environment”.

–         Embraced

7-    Select and list 3 sounds which are essential to the sound environment.

–        Boots on the terrain, The rain drizzling,  Nature and living things making living-thing noises