TUNE IN!

Where
Elm Park Fieldhouse (5837 Larch St, Vancouver, BC)

When
July 22-24, 10am-3pm each day

Who
Kids aged 10 – 15
please reach out if your kid is outside the age range, but still wants to participate!

Cost
Free!

What to expect:
TUNE IN! is a three-day hands-on music technology camp that introduces kids to the world of field recording and DIY audio technology!

Kids are guided through building handheld audio devices that reveal hidden aspects of the Elm Park soundscape–electromagnetic signals, radiowaves, and more. After each build, time is given for individual and group exploration of the park sounds with their new devices. Kids get to keep everything they build to use at home!

Participants may join the workshop in part, but for the full experience, we encourage families to register their kids for all three days.

Kids will:

  • Learn how to build small, fully-functional, battery powered audio devices
  • Learn new ways to listen and think about sounds in the world around us
  • Develop skills in circuitry
  • Make new friends!

Please note:

  • No previous musical or electronics experience is required. All materials are provided!
  • Lunch is not provided (we will have snacks though!)
  • We are not able to administer medication.
  • Our builds require basic soldering to complete. Please find our full safety guidelines below, Accommodations can be made – your child can do the entire workshop without soldering and still have a complete and fun experience!
SIGN UP!

*Registration is requested. There is limited capacity.

Questions? Concerns? Get in touch: patchbayfieldhouse@gmail.com

Supported by ArtStarts in Schools Vancouver and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation.

More Details
TUNE IN! immerses youth in experimental sound making and exploration where together we build, test, listen and reflect. With our guidance, they learn how to 1) solder electrical components, 2) record and playback audio on a variety of devices, and  3) listen to sounds normally outside of our capacity to hear. The camp is delivered in a “Do it together” approach, where we encourage kids to share their discoveries with one another, and where we are able to step in and assist as needed. Each day will have the same structure, but with a slightly different aspect of music technology explored (electromagnetic frequencies, radio waves, recording/playback).

Build sessions are in the morning, where both Charlie and Olivia are present to guide campers through construction of the kits, and the concepts behind how each device works. After snack/lunch break is an alternating group and solo exploration time outside the fieldhouse in Elm Park. Each device will remain fully functional once taken home with minimal accessories (batteries, headphones, etc). Details on how to operate the kits and what accessories are needed will be provided.

We are passionate about sound-making that privileges discovery, spontaneous creation and connection with one’s surroundings. We believe that making is knowledge building, and that working in this way is incredibly important for youth to build their confidence, center their creative ideas, and realize their agency in generating alternatives in the world around them. We hope you will join us in this sound-making adventure!

Safety
We are guiding kids in building audio devices that require basic soldering. We use rosin-core based solder that is free of lead, and we follow all required provincial and federal workplace safety guidelines for soldering, including mandatory personal protective equipment (safety glasses, masks, closed-toed shoes) and a sufficiently ventilated space. The builds are designed for beginners, and require no previous soldering experience. All build sessions will begin with a safety talk, including the rules that must be followed while soldering. 

We will have a first-aid kit onsite.