The aim of the project was to involve young people in the entire process of radio production from
developing a concept to recording audio and mixing the sounds in post-production, the invitation to
take part was directed towards the 15-18 age group. This ensured that the process would match
appropriate technical and musical skill levels and would offer real experience for those considering a
career or further involvement in audio production. There were no stipulations regarding musical
ability, however, as there were opportunities for participants to concentrate exclusively on the
technical side of recording or writing for radio.
Due to Storm Babet (which very usefully became the focus for the composition) the workshop
session on the third day had to be conducted online. By establishing collaboration in this way, this
coincidentally allowed the project to be extended, with participants continuing to provide audio
material and re-mixes of music at various points for a further two weeks. While the final mix – to tidy
sound levels and ensure compatibility with online sharing specifications – had to be completed by
the course mentors, ideas and suggestions from participants were encouraged at every stage.
The final production was shared for the first time with the sixteen students of Alford’s Music
Technology class in the company of the department technician and Head of the Performing Arts
Faculty – which included some of those who had contributed to the workshops or as interviewees.
Planning
Field Recording
Mixing
"This project has been an incredibly intriguing and rewarding experience for me, being able to work
with professionals who clearly had such brilliant experience and displayed their intricate knowledge
of what we were covering. Seeing that filled me with confidence on how I could potentially be part
of the industry in the future. Working on the project itself was so cool with the process of collecting
sound from our everyday surroundings, whether it be the natural state of the forest or
conversations with friends, and being able to draw these things whilst creating new melody and
harmony to weave it all into an intricate and beautiful story. I am so incredibly grateful to be part of
this as I now have a new perspective in creation of music and sound and can bring it forward."