The question “What did you hear?” seems to exist to establish terms - it has me thinking about how a community and its taxonomy is built on terms (or even just words). Words, to me, are such powerful and magical tools. Tools that can be used to lift up a community and solve problems, or used to cause conflict. The narrowed focus of the sound object, the “slowing down” combined with vocalizing what was heard is a unique reflective exercise, and this exercise can be used to establish terms that are most relevant and beneficial to a group.
1. Gather a group of peers to discuss daily problems and issues in the current context.
2. Take time to examine various terms that arise, picking 1-5 terms that resonate with every member of the group. Alternatively, pick an umbrella term that encompasses the more prevalent issues (i.e. “money”).
3. Send groups of two to record sounds pertaining to one term. Must record sounds in places that are close by or within the group's community.
4. Let the two person groups shape their sound, editing out irrelevant noise or focusing on more relevant sounds.
5. Let all the groups meet and play their sound objects in a safe environment conducive to focused listening, and ask “What did you hear?” Take time to write down all responses. Use responses to develop terms and words that represent the essence of current problems (or even unexpected ones). Use these words as a jumping off point to brainstorm solutions or demands.
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