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Talking Treessoundpieces
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acknowledgements
For the sounds in Marvin Grove and on the KCAI campus, here is a brief description of each:
Shovel--the tree remembers its “birth”, when it is planted.
Cows--Cattle drives moved westward across Missouri and Kansas in the post-Civil War era, their endpoints following the westward-moving railheads.
Horses--an iconic sound that would have been heard everywhere throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Trains--the major form of motorized transportation throughout the same period; their roar and whistle would be heard everywhere, in cities and countryside.
Streetcars--the major form of urban mass transit until about World War II. One could take such light rail all the way from Kansas City to Lawrence.
Parade--marching men and bands would have accompanied soldiers heading off to World War I.
Cars--starting in the 1920s, the personal automobile would have eclipsed the horse and buggy as the preferred form of transport.
Waltz on the Range--the two state songs are The Missouri Waltz and Home on the Range, both dating from the early 20th century, and avatars of American popular music of the period. When played superimposed, they make unusual sense together.
Jazz--by the 1930s the Kansas City sound of big band swing would have become predominant. Here we have a little dialogue between Count Basie and Charlie Parker.
KU chant [KU tree only]--the Rock Chalk Jawhawk chant would have been heard repeatedly by the tree coming from the nearby stadium.
Lovers--the tree for its entire life would have been a refuge for couples to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
Cicadas and Frogs--an iconic regional sound heard in the summer months throughout the history of the tree and place.
Birds--the two state birds, the Eastern Bluebird (MO) and the Western Meadowlark (KS) are heard in a duet.
Storm---run for the shelter, Dorothy! The area is noted for its violent weather. The conclusion of the soundpiece includes a recording of an actual tornado.
Baseball--by the mid 20th century, the sound of ballgames would be a presence for half the year, and if not live, then coming from radios through house windows.
Construction--as we move to the post-WWII era construction projects at both KU and KCAI would have filled the ear with mechanical racket.
Party--a sound on any campus, and especially with the wild times at some of the Beaux Arts Balls at KCAI.
Protest--in the 1960s the open spaces of the campuses would have vibrated to angry speeches to cheering, whistling crowds.
Ice--another iconic storm sound, this one of winter. The region experienced a major icestorm in the early 21st century.
Digital Sounds--the chorus of ringtones, computer typing, and alarms that make up the sonic tapestry of so much of our lives today.