A Sound Experience

My class is currently working on an audio project dealing with space and place. Each group chose a spot along one of the metro lines (non-place) to record sound, and take photos to coincide with the audio. I chose to go to the Olympic Stadium stop, mainly so I could see the track. It cost us each 3 Euro to get in (even with our discount student ID cards), but it was well worth it. The stadium itself was breathtaking. Beautiful music was playing inside, creating a peaceful, riveting atmosphere. I loved and recognized one of the pieces of music that was playing, but I couldn't place it. I closed my eyes. Images of animals floated through my mind. The carnival of animals, perhaps? No. I had another image of myself dancing, but I would have recognized the music right away if I ever performed to it. So that wasn't it either. The it hit me, the music was from the Carleton College's semi-professional dance group's spring recital a year ago, where the dancers represented animals. I still don't know the name of the piece of music- I'd hum it here, but that won't help anyone reading this to identify it, so never mind.

Berlin's Olympic Stadium

Once we recorded several sounds I went in search of a rumored wildlife reserve/ woods area just south of the stadium with two friends. After much searching we found the woods and spent awhile wandering the expansive trails. Right away we encountered a slew of caterpillar type creatures. At first it was a little disgusting, they were everywhere, but after pausing and listening we were able to hear the sound of them chewing and it was rather remarkable and beautiful in a strange sort of way.

Yes, this is in Berlin

After some more wandering we discovered an abandoned tower of some sorts sitting on top of a large hill. When we got closer we saw that there were 3 nine or ten foot fences surrounding the building with barbed wire. We also saw a few people inside. If they could get in, we could get in. We discovered a large hole in the fence- one that hadn't been repaired yet- and climbed in. It was well worth it.

Between Fences

We discovered a winding staircase and carefully climbed up. We were immediately met with an expansive view of the city and surrounding woods and river.

We continued up the stairs, and found ourselves inside one of the domes. The "wow" that escaped from my lips bounced right back at me several times, demonstrating the beautiful resonance of the room. We spent an hour or so stomping, clapping, whistling, snapping fingers, and singing, to experience with the gorgeous sound.

It was a beautiful day, full of beautiful sounds, moments, photos, and memories.