The Nature Sounds Society has started a weblog where we will be posting various blogs from events we attend as well as our own such as the annual workshop and tech talks. We will be creating a page on this site that will redirect to the actual blog page but in the meantime please visit http://naturesoundssociety.typepad.com/ to see it. We will be putting video clips from events up there as well.

Dan Dugan has posted a report on his volunteer visit to Yosemite with Sharon. http://naturesoundssociety.typepad.com/

San Francisco State University Field Station, Yuba Pass, CA.

The workshop will be held at the Sierra Nevada Field Campus of San Francisco State University alongside the scenic north fork of the Yuba River. Participants will learn field recording techniques hands-on in the field and build on techniques learned in the Tech Talk class; attend evening lectures on various topics in biology and sound recording; and will be introduced to the current work being done by the National Park Service for the preservation of natural soundscapes. The event will offer informative lectures and field trips by experienced sound recordists with the opportunity to use a variety of equipment. Ample opportunity will exist to use the information gained during the Tech Talk class. Cost is $185 members, $210 non-members. Contact events@naturesounds.org or (415) 821-9776 for further information.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Not organized by the Nature Sounds Society.

To register, contact Wild Sanctuary at (707) 996-6677.

You're invited to join us for a 4-day natural soundscape workshop, from 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 24th - to Noon Sunday, June 28th, in one of the most beautiful spots in America, Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Led by bio-acousticians Bernie Krause, Martyn Stewart, and Kevin Colver, the focus will be the soundscape from many perspectives. These include the biophony — the non-human critter voices in given habitats, geophony — the non-biological sources of sound and what they reveal, and anthrophony — the noise that humans interject into the world and its direct affect on critter life and human experience. We will also explore the enriching benefits of the voice of the natural world as it relates to human health and culture, including creative sound arts.

In previous workshops in the region we have discovered locations where it has been possible to record for long periods without the interference of human noise. Current precipitation reports suggest that several of these locations will be accessible and active by the time the workshop takes place.

The workshop includes both field and classroom activities and is spread over a larger number of days and nights so that participants can more leisurely enjoy opportunities to record, without pressure of class work. As part of the program, The Murie Center will provide accommodations in comfortable (but rustic) cabins and food service on site.

For more information on the program, please fill out the form below - or to book your reservation and complete registration, please contact: kkrause@wildsanctuary.com or call Kat at 707/996-6677.

Wild Sanctuary
P.O. Box 536
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
(707) 996-6677
chirp@wildsanctuary.com
http://www.wildsanctuary.com

Each year the Macaulay Library teaches state-of-the-art techniques for recording the sounds of wildlife with skilled staff from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Participants learn through daily field recording sessions, coupled with lectures and demonstrations.

When: June 6 to June 13, 2009
Where: Tahoe National Forest, California
Workshop Fee: $895 (includes tuition, class materials, local transportation, food, and lodging)

Join us this year at San Francisco State University's Sierra Nevada Field Campus in the Tahoe National Forest. The station, located at 6,000 feet amid Ponderosa and Jeffrey pines, affords a wide range of recording conditions in spectacular surroundings.

Topics covered include:

• Selection and application of audio recorders and microphones
• Recording theory
• Metering
• Recording techniques
• Documentation for sound recordings
• Use of computer-based software to analyze recordings

Your instructors will be Greg Budney, Audio Curator of the Macaulay Library and Randolph Little, Macaulay Library Associate with extensive recording experience.

Accommodations are rustic but comfortable. Lodging will be tents on platforms (mattresses are provided); the main lodge houses dining and bathing facilities.

Enrollment is primarily based on a first-come first-served basis, with first consideration given to students and researchers. A nonrefundable $100 deposit is requested to reserve a space. Enrollment application and deposit must be received by April 10. Balance is due by May 10. Participation is limited to 20.

Participants may register for two college credit hours through the San Francisco State University Biology Department. If interested, see Jim Steele at the field campus after you arrive. He will have a form for you to fill out and will take your payment at that time.

Workshop participants should bring their own recorder, microphone and headphones. If you need recording equipment, please contact the Library as soon as possible. A limited amount of equipment is available for loan.

For more details, contact:
Nancy Schrempf
Macaulay Library
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Road
Ithaca, New York 14850

phone: (607) 254-2153
fax: (607) 254-2439
email: ns29@cornell.edu