On Friday, December 17 we had the pleasure of hosting 12 elementary students from Linden Academy (Point Breeze) at our SLB studios, as part of a winter field trip. The students varied between 3rd and 5th grade, yet all shared the same enthusiasm for learning about audio technology. While attempting to ingrain all of their names into memory as I am wont to do, I taught them the studio basics: proper microphone technique, active listening, enunciation, projection and the principles of sound waves. It's always such a pleasure to watch young people react to hearing their recorded voices. Linden students were attentive, respectful and most importantly, engaged as we began to record their "Hopes for 2011." Prior to our field trip, I had sent their teacher an attachment containing our New Year's QuickStory worksheet for advanced preparation. This proved quite helpful, as each student's hopes were well thought out and articulate. Many of these will be featured in our StoryBox gallery at Pittsburgh's First Night, as well as on Tell-Port. I highly value my time with these students and recommend that others visit Tell-Port to get involved with HearMe.
-Jeff Baron, Director of Education, SLB