Workshop

Primary Sources: Sound

Workshop Objectives

By the end of the Primary Sources: Sound workshop, each participant will be able to:

1. identify sound file formats used in American Memory and the programs needed to play each file type.

2. identify three different types of sound files found in the American Memory collection.

3. locate the different types of sound files in the American Memory collection.

4. listen to and download American Memory sound files from the American Memory collection.

5. utilize the graphic organizer to analyze a sound.

Workshop Outline

I. Introduction to Sound files in American Memory

PowerPoint:  American Memory Sound Primary Resources

            (Note: Use this PowerPoint to guide the learners through this workshop.)

a. Example of each type of sound file found in American Memory

i. Musical

1. Vocal

Example:  Old Sam Finley had a pig

2. Instrumental

Example: Recollections of 1861-65 (Trumpet Solo)

3. Sound effects

Example: Imitations of Animals

ii. Nonmusical

1. Speeches

Example:  Safeguard America!

2. Narratives

Example: The Arkansas Traveler

3. Interviews/Oral History

      Example: Charles Mangrum's first day at Kalkstein Silk Mills

iii. Collections that contain sound files  (Handout)

b. American Memory Sound File Formats

i. Types of Formats 

Handout:  Listening to and Using American Memory Audio Clips

1. .wav

2. .mp3

3. .rm  .ra  .ram  .rmj  .rms  etc.

4. .wmf (not used in American Memory but plays sound files found in American Memory )

ii. Listening to Audio Files:  Audio Players

1. RealPlayer  (.rm  .ra  .ram  .rmj  .rms )

2. QuickTime Media Player (.wav  .mp3 )

Note:  Requires downloading the file first.

3. Windows Media Player  (.wav  .mp3 )

Note:  Requires downloading the file first.

iii. Downloading Sound Files

1. Identify the file format you will use based on how you will use the file.  Many programs only recognize certain file formats.

2. Find the item you wish to download.

3. Right-click on the link to the file.

4. Left-click on Save Target As.

5. In the dialog box that appears, browse to the location where you would like to save your sound file.

II. Activity:  Analyzing Sound Primary Resources

Handouts:       Sound Clip Activity Ideas

Oral History Analysis Exercise

Sound Recording Analysis Worksheet