In 5 separate posts below: Curie Youth Radio Audio Tours --Please comment on some or all!

[sarah levine]

Below, in five separate posts, you'll find 14 audio tours of Chicago.

Please listen to some or all of these pieces. If you see pieces that already have comments, please scroll down through the discussion to find pieces that have not been commented on (this way, everyone gets heard).

We want to know at least one thing you liked, at least one element that didn't work in our pieces, and what you liked, what didn't work.

These pieces were intended to give you a sense of our neighborhoods and the stories behind them. This is some of Chicago life. Are our neighborhoods like yours? Tell us about where you're from, too.

[sarah levine]

Please listen to some or all of these pieces. If you see pieces that already have comments, please scroll down (or up) through the discussion to find pieces that have not been commented on (this way, everyone gets heard).

We want to know at least one thing you liked, at least one element that didn't work in our pieces, and what you liked, what didn't work.

These pieces were intended to give you a sense of our neighborhoods and the stories behind them. This is some of Chicago life. Are our neighborhoods like yours? Tell us about where you're from, too.

[Charlotte Whitmore]

This is for Kathryn's quidditch audio tour.
I like the layering of voices, where it’s really a conversation between friends, and the sounds of distance that accompany some of the voices so you can tell that they really are running around a field and playing a game. But, I think there is a bit too much just straight narration; there’s nothing worng with narration, but it could use more sound, some music or other background to underlay the words.

[sarah levine]

Please listen to some or all of these pieces. If you see pieces that already have comments, please scroll down through the discussion to find pieces that have not been commented on (this way, everyone gets heard).

We want to know at least one thing you liked, at least one element that didn't work in our pieces, and what you liked, what didn't work.

These pieces were intended to give you a sense of our neighborhoods and the stories behind them. This is some of Chicago life. Are our neighborhoods like yours? Tell us about where you're from, too.

[Noah Miller]

Ana, your writing is lovely. One thing I like about the description of Patricia is the regularity of everything -- she comes out every day at the same time; she's always carrying the same stuff; she wants everything to look identically neat -- "not one chipped or faded". And then you tie it so well to what you think is going on inside her. I also like how you describe the feeling of Pine Sol scent on your nose.

The ambient sound at the beginning is way too soft to hear. Maybe it's a quiet neighborhood, but we need some louder sound to tell us where we are and what's going on. The sweeping sound is great. Did you have to record secretly or were you able to actually get close? I'd like to hear the Pine Sol bottle spritzing (is it that kind of bottle?) and the water running from the hose. Maybe the wind chimes.

[Assyria Shabazz]

Angie,

I liked your description. It gave me a good idea of what your neighborhood looked like. Going back in the past gave me an image of how it looked, and how it has changed over time. It weaved in nicely to make an interesting story about your moving to a new neighborhood and the differences between the new neighborhood and the other one. (Assyria, Youth Mic)

[sarah levine]

Please listen to some or all of these pieces. If you see pieces that already have comments, please scroll down through the discussion to find pieces that have not been commented on (this way, everyone gets heard).

We want to know at least one thing you liked, at least one element that didn't work in our pieces, and what you liked, what didn't work.

These pieces were intended to give you a sense of our neighborhoods and the stories behind them. This is some of Chicago life. Are our neighborhoods like yours? Tell us about where you're from, too.

[sarah levine]

Please listen to some or all of these pieces. If you see pieces that already have comments, please scroll down through the discussion to find pieces that have not been commented on (this way, everyone gets heard).

We want to know at least one thing you liked, at least one element that didn't work in our pieces, and what you liked, what didn't work.

These pieces were intended to give you a sense of our neighborhoods and the stories behind them. This is some of Chicago life. Are our neighborhoods like yours? Tell us about where you're from, too.

[Sandra Chen]

This is for Mariah Elmo audio peice.
I loved your narration. It was so detailed and well-written. You are an excellent writer. I especially like that you addressed me in the into. "You are standing..." I feel like I would get more of a sense of myself in the store if there was more of an ambient sound. When you described the feel of the books,only on the third listen did I get that the slight background noise was purposeful. There are several other images that, I feel like, could benefit from sound effects. Audio from the comic book store under your voice would have been more personal for myeslf.

[sarah levine]

HEre's another one:

[Sandra Chen]

This is about Tiffany's audio tour.
The narration is beautiful. I loved the line about the pole that screams lonely and the light that hangs like a chandelier. You are an amazing writer. I feel like there could be more backgroudn noise. Without it, it seems detached and distant. There's one part where you mention mothers who smile so their children won't lose hope. It's a beautiful line, but I feel like it could be more powerful and personal.

[Charlotte Whitmore]

This is about Lamar's audio tour.
I really like the use of sound; the phone ringing, the children playing in the background, it really adds to the narrational description. I know it’s a neighborhood description, and I like closing (“I brought you here because...”), but I think the opening could use work. Something more introductory, to complement the nice closing, instead of just dropping the listener in the daycare. Also, maybe some music during the longer narration, where background noise isn’t being used.

[Angela]

To Xochitl:
I really enjoyed your piece. I thought it was very interesting and well detailed. The ambient sound of people in the background sound very natural and it was brought in smoothly. It worked! Some adjustments we would like to suggest is re-record with a more energetic, enthustiastic voice. We would also like to hear some ambient sound in the beginning to grab our attention. Other than that, great piece and keep up the good work!

-Destiny & Angela