Please talk with Brandon for scheduling and details.
Author Archives: Valerie Diaz Leroy
Advanced Band: Casual Ghost Party (Brandon Bermudez)
Please talk with Brandon for scheduling and details.
Introduction to Sound Design (Brandon Bermudez)
Unlock your creative potential in this Introduction to Sound Design class. Designed for beginners, this class offers a comprehensive foundation in the art and science of crafting compelling audio experiences. Whether you’re interested in film, video games, music, or other multimedia projects, this class will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to start designing and manipulating sound effectively. The class will feature hands-on labs, practical exercises, and project-based lessons. Students will have access to high-quality software and tools, and receive personalized feedback on their work. Lectures and discussions will provide theoretical insights and inspire creativity. Embark on your journey into sound design and discover how to turn your creative ideas into captivating audio experiences!
Key Topics:
-Sound Basics: Understand the fundamentals of sound, including waveforms, frequency, amplitude, and how sound behaves in different environments.
-Sound Recording Techniques: Learn how to capture high-quality audio using various recording tools and techniques. Explore microphone types, placement strategies, and recording environments.
-Audio Editing: Gain proficiency in using digital audio workstations (DAWs) to edit, mix, and refine recorded sound. Familiarize yourself with essential editing tools and techniques.
-Synthesis and Sampling: Explore the basics of sound synthesis and sampling. Learn how to create and manipulate sounds using synthesizers and sample libraries.
-Sound Effects and Foley: Discover how to design and integrate sound effects to enhance media. Practice creating Foley effects to mimic real-world sounds and add depth to your projects.
-Creative Applications: Apply your sound design skills to various projects, including short films, video games, and multimedia presentations. Develop a portfolio of work that showcases your abilities.
Prerequisites:
No prior experience in sound design or audio engineering is required. Basic computer skills and a passion for learning about sound are encouraged.
Election 2024 (Brandon Bermudez)
Dive deep into the dynamics of the 2024 U.S. presidential election in this class. Students will explore the key players, pivotal events, and emerging trends shaping the election cycle. Students will also examine the interplay of political strategies, media coverage, and public opinion. This class will utilize a mix of lectures, videos, case studies, and interactive discussions. Students will engage in real-time analysis of election developments and participate in debates to apply their understanding. Join us to gain a nuanced understanding of one of the most significant elections in recent U.S. history and develop the analytical skills necessary to navigate the complex world of contemporary politics.
Key Topics:
-Candidates and Campaigns: Analyze the platforms, strategies, and backgrounds of the major candidates. Study how their campaigns are structured and the impact of their policies on various demographics.
-Media Influence: Investigate the role of traditional and digital media in shaping voter perceptions and election narratives. Assess how social media, news outlets, and advertising influence public opinion and voter behavior.
-Public Opinion and Polling: Examine how public opinion is measured and its role in shaping campaign strategies. Learn about the methodologies behind polling and the challenges of interpreting poll results.
-Political Polarization: Explore the growing polarization in American politics. Analyze how partisan divides affect electoral outcomes and governance.
-Election Integrity and Reform: Discuss issues related to election security, voter access, and electoral reforms. Assess how these factors impact the democratic process.
-Historical Context: Compare the 2024 election to previous presidential elections. Identify patterns and changes in the political landscape over time.
Prerequisites:
A foundational understanding of American government and politics is recommended but not required.
Mandarin Chinese 2 (Kathy & Jeremy)
Chinese is the most common language on the Internet. Heck, Chinese is the most common language, period. Mandarin is the most widely spoken version of Chinese, with the number of Mandarin speakers being almost equal to the next three most widely spoken languages combined (Spanish, English, and Hindi).
With all those people speaking Chinese, it makes sense to learn a little. Chinese can be a very challenging language, but it’s one where even a little can be impressive. We will focus on some very practical words and phrases so that you can actually use what you learn. We’ll learn some polite words like “please” and “thank you,” some learning phrases like “What does that mean in English?”, and some food words so maybe you can impress your family the next time you go to a Chinese restaurant.
We will not learn to read and write characters for a couple of reasons: unlike an alphabet, you can’t tell how a word is pronounced by looking at the character (and you may only be able to guess at the meaning), they’re terribly complicated, and I don’t read very well myself.
The homework will involve practicing what we cover in class in various ways.
Note: This class is approved for students who are continuing with their Mandarin studies. Please see the Director of Program if you wish to join.
10th Grade Seminar – CS & VDL (Cherrise & Val)
Note: This class is open to high school students only.
10th Graders will explore the question How am I connected to things greater than myself?