FORUM week 1

Why.. cause I'm a tool fan and theres really nothing in this entry that requires a pic

And thus began the first Forum of the year. The first half served more as an introductory session, explaining what the forum was about and getting all the degree students to introduce themselves. I found it difficult to know what to say as I'm still figuring out what I want to do with this degree. For me it's as simple as I want to make music, I find I'm learning all the things I want to learn and that’s why I'm here.

It was funny that basically the entire first years were interested in Audio Engineering. I think as they get on in the course and get into all the other components of the course they could either go one of 2 ways. They will Decide that they were hear for audio engineering and leave cause of all the other stuff involved on top of the audio engineering, or they will realise that there’s a lot to be gained from all the programming and sound design side of things and want to branch out and at least get an understanding for these other areas.

For me this course has just opened up a whole knew world of possibilities but they have all fitted in with my desire to make music, and even if they can't serve my purpose they have still been very interesting or at least given me a different understanding of sound. However I'm not sure if that will be the same for someone exclusively interested in Audio Engineering. I know of one student who left the degree because he was only interested in Audio Engineering and the rest of it just wasn't for him.

I’m a bit nervous about having to give a talk on collaboration in week 5, but at least it will be out of the way early. I think the student discussions are a good idea and will give an opportunity for students to delve into some interesting topics.

I am curious as to (and think we will) whether we will be presenting any work in second semester. Although I felt that what I presented wasn’t as good as I would have liked it to be, I was pleased that we got the opportunity to do it last year and hope we will again this year. There were some real gems of pieces presented. Poppi’s piece still stands out in my mind as highly inspirational.

It was really weird seeing the collected certificate, diploma and degree tech students in the last half of the Forum. It is certainly the biggest it has ever been. On one hand it is good to see the course growing and expanding, (I’m sure we will give the Classical and Jazz departments a run for their money soon) but on the other I feel that it will be a real challenge having to share everything with so many more students. Their where still slight difficulties last year! I think they need to build a new studio from scratch… WHO’S WITH ME!?!?!

References

Stephen Wittington. ‘Forum – Introduction and Overview’. Lecture presented at EMU Space, Schulz Building, 5th Floor, Adelaide University. Thursday 1st March 2007.

Pic References

Grey, Alex. 2001. "Lateralus Cover" http://emp.de/ACfrG/productimg/3/303673.jpg (2 May 2007).