drum programming

sounds i recorded: 
cat meow 
cat food in bowl
stove
car door
car engine starting
coffee pot
tea kettle
automatic sink in atlas

sounds from internet:
baby "bah"
horn

rhythmic noise

call & response

sound composition / helium

My sonic narrative is based off of episode one from the first season of the hit show Stranger Things on Netflix. The inspiration for my short sonic narrative came from the beginning of the episode where we first meet the characters, then it moves specifically through the part when Will Byers goes missing.

I used a lot of tape and echo delay and used lots of reverb to set the dark and creepy mood that the show conveys. I also used a lot of distortion on the growls that represent the demogorgon throughout the narrative.

The dice represent the boys playing Dungeons and Dragons at the very beginning, right after the scene at the lab where a demogorgon has escaped, foreshadowing what is going to happen to Will. The bikes represent three of the boys as they leave Mike’s house after their game and the laugh shadows their friendship. There is lots of automation with the volume and panning of many of the sounds to add more emotional effect after Will crashes his bike when he sees a demogorgon. There is lots of buildup through the middle of the piece and lots of cacophony right before Will vanishes. The end part, when breakfast is being made with the toaster and eggs, represents the morning after at Will’s house when his mom and brother realize that he is missing.

the vanishing of will byers

I took inspiration for my audio essay from a segment called "This I Believe" that was on NPR from 2005-2009. The series allowed people to write essays and share stories about core beliefs that guide their lives. In my audio essay, I share a few stories about my favorite experiences and how I believe in spending money on experiences over things.

Megan

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