Irving ISD Technology Media Fair 2008-2009

Entry Number: 958 Title: Like This	Category: digitized audio Grade Level: 11-12
Description: Since freeware was the required type of software, I researched several sites. One of the sites that I knew about, Hitsquad(www.hitsquad.com), led me to a freeware called ACID XPress 5.0 made by Sony Media Software. At first, I planned to use a freeware VST(Virtual Studio Technology), but I changed my mind because it needed a host and required a complex process. I knew that any music or audio had to be royalty free or permission granted for use. My past amateur digital audio experiences led me to some audio/music sample sites, which is where I acquired the samples for my composition. Once I collected the designated audio samples, I was ready to set the tempo, which was 110 bpm. I then had to layout a bassline. I think a bassline is the heart of a song because it plays from the beginning to the end of a composition. In this case, I used the “Chilla Dream Pad” because I wanted to start it with something relaxing and calm. The “Chilla Dream Pad” is originally a little over six seconds, consisting of a lower note in the second half of the original audio sample, but I sample chopped or shortened it to about two seconds, looping it every one bar or every “one and two and.” I repeated the process for the second part of that sample with the lower sounding note. Next, I arranged the drums and claps to a simple rhythm so that the song will sound a bit more appealing. The arrangement (later in the song the pause will be replaced with the claps) begins as drum-pause-drum-drum-pause. The drums are a single second sound. On the other hand, the claps sound the same duration as the drums but are cut or chopped from a drum loop of that original sample, meaning I cut the “clap” segment of another drum (kick) and clap loop. After the first 27 second as the claps come in, I used the trumpet as a transition for everything coming together. The original audio sample of the trumpet is a bit long even though its content is half a second; I had to cut the first few part s of that half of a second and last part leaving the middle part out and achieved a quick, snappy sound. I chose the trumpet and the vocal (scratch) sample (downloaded from Mixvibes Forum) because I wanted to create an old vintage feel, and I think they complement each other. Finally, I added the audio samples “Alchemist HiHat 5” and “Electro 123-2 (clock sounding)” to complement each other as hi-hats and ending the composition with different drum (kick) pattern and the vintage feel of the vocal sample and trumpet. I created this project to explore what I can do and because my passion for music. This the first time I have ever used all audio samples in making a composition. It is also the first time I have used this freeware. I encountered challenges because of the guidelines I am required to follow and the limitations of the software because it is freeware. I want other people to challenge themselves and see if they can create something authentic with some of the limitation they might encounter.

Entry Number: 958
Title: Like This

Category: digitized audio
Grade Level: 11-12

Description: Since freeware was the required type of software, I researched several sites. One of the sites that I knew about, Hitsquad(www.hitsquad.com), led me to a freeware called ACID XPress 5.0 made by Sony Media Software. At first, I planned to use a freeware VST(Virtual Studio Technology), but I changed my mind because it needed a host and required a complex process. I knew that any music or audio had to be royalty free or permission granted for use. My past amateur digital audio experiences led me to some audio/music sample sites, which is where I acquired the samples for my composition. Once I collected the designated audio samples, I was ready to set the tempo, which was 110 bpm. I then had to layout a bassline. I think a bassline is the heart of a song because it plays from the beginning to the end of a composition. In this case, I used the “Chilla Dream Pad” because I wanted to start it with something relaxing and calm. The “Chilla Dream Pad” is originally a little over six seconds, consisting of a lower note in the second half of the original audio sample, but I sample chopped or shortened it to about two seconds, looping it every one bar or every “one and two and.” I repeated the process for the second part of that sample with the lower sounding note. Next, I arranged the drums and claps to a simple rhythm so that the song will sound a bit more appealing. The arrangement (later in the song the pause will be replaced with the claps) begins as drum-pause-drum-drum-pause. The drums are a single second sound. On the other hand, the claps sound the same duration as the drums but are cut or chopped from a drum loop of that original sample, meaning I cut the “clap” segment of another drum (kick) and clap loop. After the first 27 second as the claps come in, I used the trumpet as a transition for everything coming together. The original audio sample of the trumpet is a bit long even though its content is half a second; I had to cut the first few part s of that half of a second and last part leaving the middle part out and achieved a quick, snappy sound. I chose the trumpet and the vocal (scratch) sample (downloaded from Mixvibes Forum) because I wanted to create an old vintage feel, and I think they complement each other. Finally, I added the audio samples “Alchemist HiHat 5” and “Electro 123-2 (clock sounding)” to complement each other as hi-hats and ending the composition with different drum (kick) pattern and the vintage feel of the vocal sample and trumpet. I created this project to explore what I can do and because my passion for music. This the first time I have ever used all audio samples in making a composition. It is also the first time I have used this freeware. I encountered challenges because of the guidelines I am required to follow and the limitations of the software because it is freeware. I want other people to challenge themselves and see if they can create something authentic with some of the limitation they might encounter.

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KW	3	3	3	3	4	3	4	4	5	3	4	4
Overall I thought this was a very interesting composition. It had a great beat and I thought the trumpet was a great addition to the piece. I did find a couple of errors where the melody didn't match up with the rhythm. I would have also liked to see some of your own music included rather than relying on all samples to make this composition more your own.

mb	4	4	5	4	4	4	4	4	5	5	4	5
Good bass beat.You have several elements going on.

CW	4	4	4	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
The sounds make me think of a rainforest. Great description! Next time I would try to use a little more change in volume.

AA	4	1	4	5	5	5	4	4	5	5	5	5
You put together a clean, awesome sounding project. You description was excellent and really described the steps taken to complete the project.