News from the Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio
September 2022
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Come to the Artist in Residence Celebration and Open House! |
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Stop by anytime during this open house event to network with local artists and learn more about the Artist in Residence program. Light refreshments will be provided, and a short presentation about the program will be offered at 5 p.m.
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Apply to be a 2023 Artist in Residence! |
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Calling all Mesa County artists!
Mesa County Libraries are accepting applications for 2023 Artist in Residence positions. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 10, 2022, for the three residency blocks scheduled next year (Jan. 9-April 17, May 1-Aug. 7, and Aug. 14-Nov. 20). Artists selected for the program will receive a $1,000 stipend courtesy of the Mesa County Libraries Foundation.
Applicants must be 18 or older, residents of Mesa County, and library cardholders. For more information about the program and for the online application form, click here. |
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Discover what the 970West Studio staff have been reading, watching, and listening to. |
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Denise's Pick:
Come meet an astoundingly talented young musician in the documentary film, “Hearing is Believing”. As soon as she could toddle, Rachel Flowers obsessed over the sounds produced by the family piano as she slammed toys against its keys. Rachel’s mother, Jeanie, stepped in quickly, but instead of preventing her daughter from touching the piano, Jeanie began teaching 2-year-old Rachel how to play “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Rachel nailed it on her first try. From there, little Rachel careened headlong into a very special musical career.
This is not a story of a child who was forced to practice or made to perform in front of gape-jawed audiences. It is about a prodigious girl who, at an age when most children begin potty training, learned to play music by ear, and with perfect auditory memory (she can play a song after hearing it once). This is about a true master of violin, guitar, keyboard, ukulele, saxophone, bass, Chapman Stick, and more. This is a story about Rachel Flowers, a virtuoso who performs flute and piano simultaneously, and can even taste music. That’s right! She says Campbell's Sirloin Burger and Vegetable soup tastes exactly like the key of B Flat Major!
It’s eerie to watch Rachel perform. She remains nearly motionless. She keeps her eyes closed. While guest-performing with Zappa Plays Zappa in Las Vegas in 2015, Rachel stood on stage perfectly poised, her guitar close, her elbows at oddly formal 90 degree angles. Every member of the band bobbed and grooved, but Rachel didn't even wiggle a toe.
Then all of a sudden, Rachel's fingers fly into action and shred down the neck of her electric guitar. She’s playing Frank Zappa’s solo from “Montana,” and she’s incredible! “This is fun!” Rachel declares sweetly to the screaming crowd before she slides carefully behind a triple-wall of keyboard racks to perform one of Frank Zappa's masterpieces, “Inca Roads.”
But this is not a story about fame, or stardom. Yes, it features an amazing musical whiz who can twiddle knobs, strings, and keys all day without ever having to look at them. In fact, Rachel has never seen a piano, a guitar, or even a smile. Believe it or not, Rachel Flowers is completely blind. But this is not a story about a girl who was born 15 weeks early, or the lifelong medical consequences of surviving such a dangerous birth. It is a raw and epic journey of a young woman who loves her family, her friends, her boyfriend, her fans, and her music.
Do you have a documentary, a story, a fashion design, an illustration, a character voiceover, an audiobook, or a song living inside of you, too? Of course you do! Whatever your ideas are, bring them to life with the 970West Studio cameras, microphones, software, and recording equipment!
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Jason's Pick:
Sheepdogs, truffle-hunting dogs, three-legged stray dogs, and pampered lap dogs – these are just some of the types of wonderful dogs featured in "We Don’t Deserve Dogs," a documentary about the ways that our canine friends influence our daily lives. Beautifully shot and superbly edited, this doc will have you crying one moment and jumping for joy in the next.
Especially heartbreaking are the stories of former child soldiers in Uganda that find emotional support in the companionship of dogs.
If you have an idea for a compelling film like "We Don’t Deserve Dogs," let 970West help you bring your idea to life!
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Kinetic Metal by Native Instruments |
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Kinetic Metal is an inspiring virtual instrument library created by Native Instruments. The library was created from sampling “unconventional metal sources” in various states of being struck, bowed, vibrated, and more. This collection of ethereal, metallic, and sometimes spooky sounds would be a great addition to the ambience of your video game, soundtrack of your horror film, or as the core element of your experimental drone track.
All of the over 200 presets are amazing, but here are three that jump out of the pack.
Diamagnetic Cymbal - A metallic, bowed vibe that would sound sufficiently spooky in your atmospheric horror flick.
Undercity Tunnels - Ambient, echoey sound design for that subterranean level in your dystopian nightmare video game.
Antique Rotary Phone - An eerie ringing sound for some background ambience in your Lynch-ian, Eraserhead-style arthouse film.
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Studio classes continue!
Most classes require advance registration. Click the links to register.
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970West Studio Orientation
Take the first step toward using the 970West Studio. Orientation classes last an hour. Registration is NOT required.
970West Studio Orientations take place during the following times
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Studio Q&A
Explore the 970West Studio as we offer Orientations and have staff available to answer your multimedia production questions.
Assistance is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. In-depth/additional questions may require a future Book a Librarian appointment if others are waiting.
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Studio Q&A takes place during the following times:
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Camera Kit Basics
If you’re interested in checking out one of Mesa County Libraries’ camera kits, but don’t know where or how to get started, this class is for you! We will cover the basics of camera care, lens attachment, manual/automatic settings, ISO, lens apertures, and focus adjustments. This class, along with a valid Mesa County Libraries card and a little inspiration, will have you creating amazing photos in no time! |
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Mac OS Basics
Mac OS is a proprietary graphical operating system developed and marketed by Apple Incorporated since 2001. It is the primary operating system used in the 970West Studio and the Creation Station at the Central Library. In this class, learn the basics of Mac OS.
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Podcast Production
Podcasting is a great way to get your story out there! Join us at 970West Studio where we will go over microphone choice, multitrack recording, signal processing, mixing, and file exporting.
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Green Screen 1.0: Assembly
Let's build a green screen! Come explore all the components of the 970West Studio's Green Screen Kit. Students will practice setting up the kit, learn basic green screen theory, and explore common pitfalls and their solutions. Depending on time and interest, students may have an opportunity to practice recording footage with the green screen. Each month, we will explore different layouts and techniques; so students are encouraged to attend multiple times.
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Green Screen 1.0: Assembly takes place:
Seating is limited, and registration is required.
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Green Screen 2.0: Chroma Key
Learn the methods used to remove a video's background and replace it with a different image or video. In this hands-on class, we will explore the process of using a green screen, including video capture and the post-production process known as chroma key. Participants are welcome to bring digital images to use during class, provided that these images are saved on a USB storage device prior to class. This class is ongoing, so keep coming back for more fun (and learning)!
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Green Screen 2.0: Chroma Key takes place:
Seating is limited, and registration is required.
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Digital Illustration with Photoshop
In this introductory class, we will cover the Photoshop workspace and basic tools. Participants will follow along with the instructor while using Photoshop brushes, selection tools, and layers to create a postcard-sized work of original digital art.
This course is ongoing — bring your questions, requests, ideas for future art projects, and please keep coming back to continue learning.
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Introduction to Video Editing
In this hands-on course, learn the fundamentals of video editing using Adobe Premiere, a program included in the Adobe Creative Cloud. Participants will learn how to import video clips into the editor, edit clips inside the editor for improved playback, and export video projects so you can share them to your favorite online video-sharing websites. Sample footage will be provided, but participants may also bring a USB storage device with their own footage. This course is ongoing, so keep coming back to develop your skills!
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Audio Production
Let’s get weird! Are the beats and bass lines of traditional beat making a bit too structured for you? Are you searching for a sound, your own sound, that doesn't live on today's popular playlists? Come to an Audio Alchemy session and explore some experimental soundscapes with us!
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We'll primarily use Alchemy, a sound module included with Logic Pro X, but other ingredients like real-world sampling and vocal chopping may be on the menu. A basic knowledge of Mac OS and music production is strongly recommended. Attend multiple times for best results!
Seating is limited, and registration is required.
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Additional technology resources are available on our Technology Guide: Tutorials and Classes page. T here you will find printable class handouts, basic tech help for your computer or mobile device, and a selection of tutorials. Still not finding what you're looking for? Fill out a Book a Librarian form to receive one-on-one instruction for your tech-related topic.
All studio classes take place at the 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave.
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Follow the 970West Studio on Instagram |
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Follow @970west_studio on Instagram for weekly posts about all things 970WestStudio. We share gear updates, local band highlights, video releases, and more! |
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A NOTE TO READERS
You are receiving this e-newsletter because you are a patron of Mesa County Libraries and/or the 970West Studio.
- The 970West Studio email newsletter is sent monthly (with occasional special editions) to patrons to keep you informed about what's happening at the studio and your local library.
- The library values your privacy and will not share your email address or other information with anyone.
- You can update your library e-newsletter subscriptions by visiting the "Update Profile" link at the bottom of this newsletter.
- You can also remove yourself from all library e-newsletter lists by visiting the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of this newsletter.
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Contact Mesa County Libraries at 970-243-4442 or visit mesacountylibraries.org |
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