Norman McLaren explains how he makes synthetic sound on film. With an oscilloscope he first demonstrates what familiar sounds look like on the screen; next, how sound shapes up on a film's sound track; and then what synthetic sounds sound like when drawn directly on film. This technique is also demonstrated in Dots and Loops.
Ages 15 to 17
Arts Education - Music
Arts Education - Visual Arts
Science - Physical Science
This short film can be presented in a science class or a music class, as it helps students see the link between the two disciplines. After the screening, students can be shown how to represent ambient sounds in their own way. You can even ask them to make a musical instrument using the principles of physics.