I learned a lot about audio storytelling during this week. Similar to last week, the beginning of the unit was a great refresher to the audio specific vocab and concepts. I have always known about things like pacing, sound effects, and layering. Reading all of the sources in this unit really explained the impact that those audio techniques have on the overall story being told. The videos from Ira Glass had great information about the major parts to a story. My reflection goes into more details about his explanations on what makes a good story.

This unit ended up going pretty smoothly so it was hard to think about something that was harder than expected. The closest thing to being hard was the Sounds of My Day assignment because I had to capture all of that audio while still trying to do my job. I had to plan out exactly when I could take the recordings and do it quickly so I could stay on task at work. Some of the sounds, like the phone ringing and the well done timer, were quick grabs because they happened unexpectedly.

Doing the hands on audio editing was easier than expected. I already had the hardware and software to record instruments and edit audio. However, it has been a very long time since I have used any of it because nothing like it has even been required for class until now. I was surprised that I was able to get back into it this quickly and create some things that I am pretty proud of like the Eat Your Heart Out Beethoven assignment.

Another thing that was easier than expected was part three of this unit. After reading all of the information earlier in the unit, being able to spot the audio techniques in the the podcast was pretty easy. Maybe the spooked podcast is just really efficient at using those techniques as explained in the podcast reflection. Glynn Washington was very deliberate with his audio techniques, so it made them pretty easy to pick out when listening.

The thing that drove me crazy was also the thing I enjoyed the most about the audio unit. The Spooky Season assignment took me a lot of time and drove me a little nuts because I was trying to get it perfect. Listening to all of those sounds over and over in my headphones made it so I kept hearing them even after I took the headphones off. I really did enjoy being able to play my bass again to make something that sounds spooky and unique. These assignments gave me an excuse to go play with all of my toys.