Well it’s been a while since I updated, because I’m one person. Jeeze what all has happened in the last 7 months?? “Too much” one might say… but the reigning highlight is my current artist residency at the Northampton Community College East 40 Gardens. I’ll be here (mostly) through August, recording the sounds of bees alongside the hammered dulcimer.
“But KAT, we didn’t know you played hammered dulcimer?!”
…me neither, really… until I learned it takes about 3 weeks to become proficient (according to pro players). So, I mentioned that in my proposal, along with that I thought its drone was similar to the drone of bees.
The hammered dulcimer does have a little bit of a buzzy-ness to it, especially on the lower strings. For the next month I’m recording the sounds of pollinators, primarily from the 3 hives they have on site here. Using lavalier microphones (lapel mics), I’ll even record inside the hive. I’ve met with beekeeper Danielle Schwesinger who even has created sound sculptures with bees as the focus, using these kinds of mics. Brilliant, I say!
The point of this? To listen and become more attuned with your environment. Today, active listening is something we all need to work on. I feel we’re all waiting to speak instead of tuning in and listening. Beneath the bees, this is the purpose. I’m even hosting a workshop, Sonic Bloom: A Mindful Music-Making Experience with the help of Righteous Jolly & the East 40 staff, August 8th from 10am-2pm. During this guided (or self guided) walk about the 40 acres, we’ll make stops to listen to our environment, recording or capturing sounds that inspire or intrigue us. Afterwards we’ll refer to these sounds as we experiment with a few provided instruments. You’ll get a chance to hammer the dulcimer, smack a sansula and more, while we listen to each other in a broad jam. One of the most important aspects of music…is listening. So as we’re making our own sounds, we listen to each other, and try to support live sound.
This event is limited to 15 people, and I’ve made sure to include some of my most attuned musical friends to help us bounce off each other and have a wonderful musical conversation. I am very excited to share this experience with you. Oh, and it’s free – you just need to say you’ll be there, and show up. So fill out the form and save your spot in this music making session. See you there.
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