At the start of 2023, hcmf// partnered with Kirklees Library Services to deliver a brand-new school-based project called Sounding Stories. The Sounding Stories project was set up to encourage Key Stage 2-aged children to read for pleasure, by enhancing their reading experience with a new understanding of sound. During three weeks of lessons, the children were encouraged to use their imaginations and the experience of reading to compose soundscapes based on the book of their choice.
In week one, Year 5 students at Whitechapel Church of England Primary were invited to Cleckheaton Library to select the book that this project would be framed around. Tiffany Haigh of Kirklees Library Services narrowed down a shortlist of books that contain very vivid sound worlds within them, including lots of references to noises and poetic flows of words. From this shortlist, the children chose Zombierella by Joseph Coelho, which is part of a “Fairy tales gone bad” series of books written in verse form. The children noted several references to sounds throughout the story – including sounds of distant owls, clocks striking and various other creepy elements – which they felt gave the book the potential to inspire the perfect soundscape.
Listen to some of the pupils’ work above.
Tiffany Haigh of Kirklees Library Services commented: “It was fantastic to see the children’s enthusiasm for the books as they discussed and voted for their soundscape choice. They left the library excited about the project and eager to read Zombierella.”
For three weeks after the library visit, hcmf//’s Learning & Participation Officer Sophie Cooper and Leeds-based composer Mia Windsor visited Whitechapel Church of England Primary and delivered a series of workshops focussing on how to make a soundscape. Sophie and Mia worked with the children to build their understanding of what a soundscape is, guiding them through several environmental sound listening exercises before diving into the technical side of sound recording techniques including field recording with iPads, folly sound recording techniques, voice and instrument recording. The children learnt how to mix their recordings into Audacity, a free digital audio workstation, and how to apply various effects in the programme with great results. The final pieces really do bring the story to life and help the listener to understand the words in a totally new context.
Reflecting on the experience, Mia Windsor said: “This project was a pleasure to work on. The class were incredibly creative, crafting the world of Zombierella through sound; working together to weave between atmospheres, storytelling and live foley. It was such a fun way for the class to gain skills and knowledge of music technology (digital audio workstations and recording techniques) and every pupil should be proud of their hard work and ideas.”
The soundscape created as a result of this project will be on display at Cleckheaton Library from 15 May until 15 June.
View the Cleckheaton Library location and opening times via the Kirklees Website by clicking here. Requests to access the soundscape can be directed to library staff on site.
