NSS Home Page  Nature Sounds Newsletter Spring 1994 The AAAS/NSS Symposium
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The AAAS/NSS Symposium, June 22, 1994. 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
NATURE SOUNDS: COLLECTION AND THE USE IN SCIENCE AND THE CREATIVE ARTS Biologically accurate species sound recordings have long been used as a tool of study and analysis for various aspects of scientific research. In the last 20 years, the growing public interest in ecology and the environment has rapidly increased the demand and use of these biologically accurate nature sound recordings for the creative arts, including music, film, theater, radio, television and multimedia. In a world where habitats are fast disappearing, the recording of species sounds has lagged far behind the collection, identification and behavioral study of various species. This symposium will examine the range of scientific and creative use of natural sounds and to explore the ways in which new advances in recording technology and interpretation have affected the presentation of natural sound in science and the creative arts. Both morning and afternoon sessions will feature presented papers to be followed by a panel of the speakers and questions from the audience. Morning Session: Grappling with the Phenomenon of Nature Sounds: discussion of how technology affects the products of science and art, how both scientists and artists experience the phenomenon of Nature Sounds and the process of beginning a study involving use of natural sounds with special attention to the roles of curiosity, inspiration and "messing around" to come up with interesting questions and fruitful approaches to deal with the question. Afternoon Session: Commencing the Study: Uses and Integration of Nature Sounds: discussion of final products of scientific and artistic studies and methods for "mapping" them, i.e. compositions, scientific papers, mediums and formats for presentations (creative products), leading to new information, new or increased understanding and breakthroughs in thinking in different categories: the "ahas" of science and art. Among the speakers participating in this event are Douglas Quin, Ron Schusterman, Ray Pestrong, Dan Dugan, Michael Johnson and Michael McMillen. Quin, a National Endowment of the Arts-sponsored composer, uses nature sounds, electronic and acoustical musical instruments to create his unique compositions. Ron Schusterman (Psychology) will discuss Pinniped Sounds: Signals for Survival in the Atmosphere and the Hydrosphere. Ray Pestrong (Geology) will elaborate on his use of mountain elevation silhouettes as musical scores. Dan Dugan is a recordist and musician, Michael Johnson is a radio producer and program director at KALW - 91.7 FM in San Francisco and Michael McMillen is a sculptor who uses natural sounds as an integral interactive part of his installations. On Tuesday, June 21, an evening concert featuring biologically informed musical compositions by Doug Quin, entitled Landscape into Soundscape will be offered to AAAS participants, their families and the public (details p. 5). |
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