To create a song with a scary theme using EarSketch, here’s a structured approach you can follow along with the requirements you've provided:
Outline for Your Scary Themed Song in EarSketch
1. Setup your EarSketch environment:
- Log in to EarSketch and create a new project.
- Select a scary-sounding kit and sound samples that match your theme. You can browse through the library for sound effects or audio clips that fit the horror genre, like creaks, howls, thunder, eerie melodies, etc.
2. Uploading Audio Clips:
- Ensure to include at least two fitting media (audio clips) with a scary vibe.
- Import audio clips reflecting the theme, like screams or spooky instrumental music.
3. Creating the Musical Composition:
- Basic Structure: Plan for a song that lasts between 15-30 seconds.
- Beats and Rhythms: Create at least two beats. Use different instruments to layer and add depth to your soundscape.
- Loops: Incorporate at least one loop (for example, a haunting melody or rhythmic drum pattern that plays throughout the song).
4. Effects:
- Add at least two effects to your track. Consider the following:
- setEffect 1 - A reverb effect (6 parameters) on a haunting melody to create distance.
- setEffect 2 - A delay effect (4 parameters) on a scream sound to create an echoing effect.
- Ensure that one of these effects adjusts the volume on one of your sounds.
Implementation Example in EarSketch:
Here’s how your code may look in EarSketch with the elements incorporated. Below is a fictional code segment demonstrating this setup:
from earsketch import *
init()
setTempo(120)
# Load your scary clips
clip1 = makeAudioClip("scream1.wav", 1, 0, 5) # First scary audio clip
clip2 = makeAudioClip("creepyMusic.wav", 2, 0, 6) # Second scary audio clip
# Add your loops
loop1 = makeBassLoop("eerieBassLoop.wav", 3, 0, 8) # A bass loop for the foundation
# Apply effects
setEffect(1, VOLUME, GAIN, -6) # Volume effect on clip1
setEffect(2, REVERB, ROOM_SIZE, 0.8, DAMPING, 0.6, WET_LEVEL, 0.5, DRY_LEVEL, 0.5, WIDTH, 1, FREEZE_MODE, 0) # Reverb on clip2
setEffect(3, DELAY, TIME, 0.25, FEEDBACK, 0.5, WET_LEVEL, 0.4, DRY_LEVEL, 0.5) # Delay effect on clip1
# Main arrangement
fitMedia(clip1, 1, 1, 5) # Place first clip
fitMedia(clip2, 2, 0, 6) # Place second clip
fitMedia(loop1, 3, 0, 8) # Place loop
# Finish up
finish()
Add Your Commentary:
-
Variable Explanation: Describe what each variable (like
clip1,clip2,loop1) represents. -
Loop Identification: Specify where your loop is and how many times it plays.
-
Purpose of the Loop: Explain that the loop serves to build a foundational rhythm or mood.
-
Parameter Identification: Identify the parameters you’ve used (like
GAIN,ROOM_SIZE). -
Changing Parameters: Discuss how altering values (e.g., increasing GAIN) could change the song's volume.
-
Emotion Match Explanation: Describe how you used eerie sounds and effects to evoke fear.
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Learning Reflection: Reflect on what you learned regarding music production, such as arranging tracks and applying effects.
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Technical Skills: Describe what you learned about using variables, parameters, and loops in programming.
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Advice: Share what you wish you had known before starting this project.
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Clip and Story: Ensure your music tells a scary story and matches the intended emotion.
Final Review:
- Once you've composed your song, review it to ensure every requirement is met.
- Export your project and check that it fits the scary theme while telling a coherent story.
By following these steps, you'll be able to create a fittingly scary song using EarSketch that meets all the requirements laid out in your rubric. Good luck!