THE CHILTERN SCHOOL
It was brilliant to undertake a creative workshop with The Chiltern School in Houghton Regis.
With the assistance of artist Emily Tracy, two workshops were held with a class. The first being a collage session exploring the theme and shape of the bandstand. The current design of the structure and the decorative elements including a potential paving design will present the bandstand as ‘recording machine’ with references to dials found on a radio, an amplifier and speakers, and the pupils created some brilliant work exploring these design themes.
The second session involved using a microphone to record a variety of park and play related sounds, such as a ball bouncing or crisp packet being scrunched! We also had the opportunity to explore different sounds made in their playground including the mechanical noises of outdoor gym machines. The recordings were then viewed using a digital ‘ Oscilloscope ‘ to view the different sound waves and patterns.
The recordings were slowed down and speeded up to show how audio can create a variety of visual shapes and patterns.
Their recordings can be listened to on the ‘ SOUNDS ‘ page.
Mark Bodsworth / teacher: “On the 11th November 2022, Tom Pearman visited the Chiltern School. Tom explained to a group of 20 mixed ability students about his art project in the local area. The activities Tom had prepared were engaging, hands on and interesting to the students. Tom and his team were very understanding of our pupils needs and were able to communicate with them effectively. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the session and came up with some amazing results. We hope to welcome Tom back to the Chiltern School soon. Thanks Mark. “
The session involved using a microphone to record a variety of park and play related sounds, such as the mechanical noises of outdoor gym machines. The recordings were then viewed using a digital ' Oscilloscope ' to view the different sound waves and patterns.
The children were encouraged to think through the artist process for the design of the bandstand.
They then created structure shapes using elements of audio equipment dial and switches and speakers, creating a covered stage area and roof.
