At the end of Film Scoring IV, the time comes
to record the scores that student composers have written for
student film productions, and so the cycle of learning continues
by fashioning the recording sessions as educational opportunities.
In this context, The Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program
offers a unique opportunity to players who would otherwise
not get the chance to experience playing in a studio environment.
We do this by inviting student and other musicians who seek
an introduction to studio recording to perform and record
the scores at one of our recording sessions.
The sessions, conducted by program founder Hummie Mann, typically
last a full day and demonstrate what a professional film recording
session is like. Described by veteran session musicians as
95% boredom and 5% panic, the sessions are a test of a player's
ability to sight read in a variety of styles, quickly "learn"
the part (studio musicians see the music for the first time
when they arrive at the studio), and master playing a piece
flawlessly in a very short time.
Player Requirements
Other than being capable on their instruments, musicians
for our studio recording sessions should meet the following
criteria:
- Strong sight reading skills
- Professional attitude
- Stamina on their instruments necessary to play for an
entire recording day
- Ability to maintain the concentration needed to play their
parts perfectly every time
- Desire to learn and improve
Our recording sessions are hard work, but they are also very
enjoyable learning experiences.
During your day with us, for example, you will learn about
the techniques that film composers use to synchronize music
to film; experience playing to "click tracks" and
"pre-recorded tracks", experience the incredible
sensitivity of the large recording microphone looming in front
of you, as well as what and how you have to alter in your
playing technique to "sound good on tape". Just
as in professional sessions, the players get a ten minute
break every hour, plus a one hour lunch break between the
two 3-hour morning and afternoon sessions. We provide munchies
and beverages throughout the day as well as a catered lunch.
Finally, when the films are completed, all the players are
invited to attend screenings of the projects so they can see
the final product of their efforts.
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PLEASE NOTE:
The Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program only
provides and records scores for films made by
students as part of an educational program. We
do not supply scores to any professional productions.
One of the goals of this program, however, is
to encourage student film makers to use live musicians
when they make their professional productions
in the future.
We do this by giving them the opportunity to
experience the power of acoustic music in their
student productions now.
Our recording sessions are for students and other
musicians who wish to explore the techniques and
requirements of a professional recording environment.
These sessions, conducted by program founder Hummie
Mann, include mini-lectures on recording procedures
and practices, along with tips he and the professional
concertmaster share with the musicians who may
wish to pursue professional studio work in the
future. Players are not paid for their
time, nor are they charged a fee to participate.
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