A Sonic Palimpsest: Revisiting Chatham Historic Dockyards

In November 2021, Sonic Palimpsest have been facilitating workshops in soundscape composition at Canterbury Academy. Research Associate Dr Brona Martin spent two days working with 6th form students who are studying a BTEC in Music. During the workshops students were introduced to the project and were set the task of composing a soundscape which explores the sounds of Chatham Historic Dockyard. The soundscapes featured in an exhibition at Chatham Dockyard in May, 2022.

The students had access to a large sound library of field recordings from Chatham Dockyard, which were recorded by the Sonic Palimpsest team, and which the students used as sound material for their new works. Throughout the workshops students learned about the history of soundscape composition, soundwalking, sound recording, sound editing and composition techniques while developing their listening skills. Students also had to write a biography and programme note to accompany their piece.

If you are a teacher who would like to take part in these workshops and use our material, or would like to learn more about the project, please contact Dr Aki Pasoulas.