Do You Hear What I Hear?
information about sound and acoustics in
our new sanctuary
During the season of Advent we often sing this
popular French carol. This year at Northaven the subject of what we hear in
worship, classrooms, meetings, fellowship, and rehearsals is very pertinent.
We are in the first weeks of learning how to use our new building, particularly
how to hear. While we are learning to "fine tune" the sound, everyone needs to
help in the process.
These are the elements of the process that the Building Committee is using:
- We are learning how to control our new sound system, including the levels of microphones, the positioning of speakers and the balancing of speakers at various locations throughout the space. (Several of our staff and members will be trained by our sound system provider to use the system correctly.)
- We are learning how to work with the unamplified spoken voice in the sanctuary for things such as praying, announcements, and dramatic presentations. (One thing we already know is that the room size and acoustical properties of the sanctuary require that one must project and speak clearly.)
- We are learning how to do music of all kinds, vocal and instrumental (piano, bells, orchestra), from various locations.
- We are learning how the placement of chairs, platforms and other furniture effects the sound. (We have refrained from hanging too many banners and other wall hangings in the sanctuary and atrium until we have completed the "punch list" with our contractor. Afterwards we will see what effect those pieces will have.)
- We will be learning about the impact the organ will have on all forms of sound. (The installation is scheduled to begin in mid-January immediately after the Amahl performances.)
So it will be several months before we have "learned our lessons" and have been able to incorporate that learning. Each member can be helpful during this time by (1) being patient during the process and (2) giving us the benefit of your ears to help in our ongoing data gathering. We have already heard enough to know that our new space offers tremendous new possibilities, and we look forward to the time when we can enjoy those possibilities to the fullest.
These are the elements of the process that the Building Committee is using:
- We are learning how to control our new sound system, including the levels of microphones, the positioning of speakers and the balancing of speakers at various locations throughout the space. (Several of our staff and members will be trained by our sound system provider to use the system correctly.)
- We are learning how to work with the unamplified spoken voice in the sanctuary for things such as praying, announcements, and dramatic presentations. (One thing we already know is that the room size and acoustical properties of the sanctuary require that one must project and speak clearly.)
- We are learning how to do music of all kinds, vocal and instrumental (piano, bells, orchestra), from various locations.
- We are learning how the placement of chairs, platforms and other furniture effects the sound. (We have refrained from hanging too many banners and other wall hangings in the sanctuary and atrium until we have completed the "punch list" with our contractor. Afterwards we will see what effect those pieces will have.)
- We will be learning about the impact the organ will have on all forms of sound. (The installation is scheduled to begin in mid-January immediately after the Amahl performances.)
So it will be several months before we have "learned our lessons" and have been able to incorporate that learning. Each member can be helpful during this time by (1) being patient during the process and (2) giving us the benefit of your ears to help in our ongoing data gathering. We have already heard enough to know that our new space offers tremendous new possibilities, and we look forward to the time when we can enjoy those possibilities to the fullest.
Posted: Tuesday - December 06, 2005 at 02:37 PM |
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Published On: May 05, 2008 04:55 PM
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Published On: May 05, 2008 04:55 PM