‘We Come From’: A Composition Workshop exploring identity through sound

This workshop invites pupils to explore their sense of identity and connection to place through poetry and sound. Focusing on experiences of growing up in the North East, students will write and record original poetry, and bring it to life through the creation of a collaborative soundscape.

The workshops begin with a sound walk around the school grounds, where students use microphones to capture and enhance the sounds around them. They will then record lines of poetry (previously created with local poet Katharine Goda). Using everyday materials, they will create sounds and sound effects to bring their words to life.

The project spans two full school days for the creative workshops, followed by two days of editing and mixing by the workshop facilitators. Once the final composition is complete, a third visit to the school will be arranged to present the finished composition to participants and school staff.

This approach builds on a successful workshop at Sacred Heart Catholic High School (see images) in the summer of 2022.