Workshop: The End Times

An introduction to making music with electronics using an apocalyptic musical blackboard!

Duration: 90 minutes (including a 15 minute break).
Participants: Aimed at young adults (11-18) with some experience of music, no experience of technology necessary. Up to 16 participants (8 per blackboard)
Delivery Team: Liza Bec (Facilitator), Harry Bassett (Facilitator), Enzo Samuel (Sound Engineer)

Structure:

• Introductory performance (5 minutes)
• How does the blackboard work? Intro to contact mics,chalk, blackboard paint and more! (10 minutes)
• Sound and visual design using touchpads and MIDI keyboards to control different elements of the blackboard sound (15 minutes)
  • Tone
  • Reverb
  • Visuals
  • Pitch

• Creation of original blackboard pieces, working with a facilitator, in 2 small groups. (30 minutes)
• Sharing and feedback (15 minutes)

Workshop Outcomes:

1. 1. Enhanced Understanding of Interactive Sound Design
      Participants will gain hands-on experience with contact mics and blackboard chalk to create dynamic sounds. They will learn how to manipulate various sound elements (such as tone, pitch, and reverb) using touchpads and MIDI keyboards.
   2. Increased Confidence in Creative Collaboration
      Participants will collaborate to create original blackboard sound pieces. This will encourage teamwork and inspire creative thinking, allowing participants to experiment with different techniques and to confidently share unique ideas.
   3. Development of Technical Skills
      Participants develop skills in using technology such as touchpads, MIDI keyboards, and movement-sensitive wristbands to control sound and visuals.
   4. Increased Understanding of the Intersection of Music, Visual Art, and Technology
      Participants will explore how music, visual art, and technology can intersect in an interactive, creative environment. This will deepen their understanding of sound design and inspire new ways of thinking about how art and technology can be integrated.

Accessibility: The workshop is fully accessible and can be BSL or audio described, please ask for further details. Real chalk is provided for use during the workshop. Movement sensitive SOMI-1 wristbands can be used to control blackboard pitch where this is preferable to the use of chalk.

DBS: Lead artist is fully DBS checked and on the DBS Update Service

To book onto the workshop, please fill in our sign up form and make sure to include ‘The End Times workshop’ as the group/session you’re interested in. For enquiries, email musinc@middlesbrough.gov.uk.