On Friday, October 6th, nine other Milstein Program students and I spread out across our beautiful campus to capture one of the most iconic Cornell experiences: the 6:00 chimes concert.
After meeting for pizza in Rockefeller hall, we were equipped with field recorders by two sound artists from The World According to Sound, Chris Hoff and Sam Harnett. After a short lesson on how to use the recorders and some silly experimenting with sound effects, we were sent to designated positions around campus, from the bottom of the gorge to the botanical gardens, to record the fifteen-minute performance.
The goal, according to Chris and Sam, was to turn the concert into a soundscape. After getting samples from all over the campus, they would splice everything together into an ethereal representation of the performance as heard by the average student. This will be incorporated as ambient music for part of a larger, 45-minute sound artwork by Chris and Sam.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to record the concert right from the base of the tower. The recording process gave me newfound respect for sound engineers like Chris and Sam. I had to hold completely still for twenty minutes, constantly monitor the decibel level, and remain unfazed by the funny looks I got from passersby. Oh, and this was all in windy, 45 degree weather, without gloves.
Despite the struggles that came with the recording process, it was a very enjoyable experience. The chimes have become background-noise for me as I busily commute to and from class every day. Actively recording the chimes made me listen more mindfully, which seemed to ground me more deeply in the present moment. We have another workshop with Chris and Sam coming up this week, and I’m excited to see what else they have in store for us.
Chris and Sam will use the recordings to create a cohesive soundscape of the chimes, part of a larger performance called “Cornell According to Sound” that will be held on November 20 & 21. For more information about the event or to buy tickets, click here.
