Physical Modeling Synthesis of Birdcall
My music technology capstone project was research into the synthesis of birdcall and birdsong. I used the information I gathered around the biological mechanisms of bird vocalization to inform the construction of a bird sound synthesizer patch in Max/MSP. My pathway started with a single sine oscillator that goes through FM, AM, and a low-pass filter. I use a variety of continuous envelopes to create complex expression within the bird sounds. I used a library of sounds constructed with this Max patch to create a soundscape composition titled 'digital_forest'.
Invasion
‘Invasion’ is a short animated film created by Victoria Barranco, a senior at Northeastern at the time, who asked me to design the sound effects for the animation. Barranco created this film as part of her capstone project -- it depicts an alligator named Scoot and his butterfly friend who are put in danger by a gang of monsters encroaching on their home. The film is meant to raise awareness for the destruction of wetlands and marshes to build suburban housing in Florida. All sound in the video, aside from the music, was recorded and designed by myself. The film was accepted into 13 film festivals in 6 countries around the world including the United States, Italy, and Brazil.
Inside the Body
While taking a Sound Design course, I had the opportunity to record, design, and compose the sound effects and soundtracks for a series of silent videos. I learned how to give a sound perspective, how to be creative while finding materials to record sound effects, and how to use sounds and music to create a cohesive story. I worked in a group of three and had about a week to complete the sound design, given 'Inside the Body' with no sounds at all. I designed the heartbeat, electrical buzz, the siren, the cave ambience, the sounds of the levers, chains, and chair. I also recorded and designed the footsteps and the vocalizations.
Otsu
I worked by myself and had about two weeks to complete the sound design, given a completely silent version of 'Otsu'. I composed and recorded the music using MIDI software instruments. I also designed all sounds in the entirety of the piece (some recorded by myself,and others created from royalty-free sound effects).