News from the Mesa County Libraries 970West Studio
February 2023
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According to the Arturia website:
“MiniFreak is a polyphonic hybrid keyboard that unites dual digital sound engines with analog filters, playful modulation, instinctive sequencing, and rich stereo effects for sounds that are immediately curious, beautiful, and chaotic in equal measure.”
That blurb does a great job of hitting the high points of the MiniFreak, but the most important thing about this amazing little synth?
It’s fun!
It makes you WANT to play it. And your results will likely be musical and unique, with or without much prior knowledge of synthesizers.
Even a “synth-noob” like me can get some very usable sounds and inspiration out of the MiniFreak in no time at all. Plus, the aesthetics are beautiful and odd (exploding frogs, anyone?)
Book a session at the 970West Studio and become a sonic explorer with the help of the Arturia MiniFreak!
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Discover what the 970West Studio staff have been reading, watching, and listening to. |
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Jason's Pick:
I’ve been a fan of Michelle Yeoh ever since she came flying into my life, kicking two dudes in the face at once in 1992’s Police Story 3. Her onscreen presence, martial arts skills, and acting chops are undeniable, and she deserves all the awards for her role in EEAAO.
But the real selling point for me is the inclusion of Ke Huy Quan, an actor whose high voice, comedic timing, and heartfelt acting style immediately take me back to the carefree joy of my youth in the 80s watching him in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and The Goonies.
Yes, I’m old.
These two fine actors, along with the rest of the fantastic cast and, of course, the Daniels, have given us the movie we didn’t know we wanted but absolutely needed. The scene of two googly-eyed rocks having a heavy (see what I did there?) conversation is worth the price of admission alone.
No blurb about this movie would be complete without mentioning the visual effects, which avoid falling into the annoying CGI trap that ensnares so many films today (looking at you, MCU) but instead have a charming, homegrown feel that fits the story like a well-worn fanny pack.
Book a session today at the 970West Studio to hone your filmmaking and practical effects skills. Who knows, you might just be the next big thing in the Multiverse!
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Denise's Pick:
Transport yourself this month to a peculiar place that is home to many astonishing lifeforms. Giant, blue, scantily-clad beings with vaguely-aquatic features rule this world while itty bitty human underlings infest the whole place and help themselves to precious resources. This universe is dangerous, magical, and filled with otherworldly, strangely-shaped plantoids and animaloids in vibrant colors.
Sounds like a plug for James Cameron’s new Avatar: The Way of Water, right?
Nice guess, but no! For this month’s pick you’ll need to calibrate your nearest DeLorean Time Machine, Tardis, or Waybackmobile to the year 1973 and chug toward the planet Ygam where you will meet René Laloux and Roland Topor’s Fantastic Planet.
Fantastic Planet (née La Planète Sauvage) celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, yet it feels remarkably edgy and current. Perhaps Laloux and Topor were ahead of their time. Perhaps our world hasn’t changed as much as we think it has. Or perhaps the more things change, the more they stay the same.
One matter that has changed considerably in the last half century is animation. Modern advances in animation are incredible, but I find myself flinching at the hyper-realistic, hyper-saturated, extra-glossy, too-fast (and too-perfect) style of most contemporary animation. In Fantastic Planet, Topor’s illustrations are whimsical and elegant with a natural texture that exists only in hand-made art. Despite near-constant plot tension in this dangerous, futuristic world, there’s an underlying sense of nostalgia and safety. Perhaps, when someone cares enough to craft something unique or special by hand, the surrounding world is imbued with some of that caring?
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Take a 970West Studio class!
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.
The next 970West Studio Orientation takes place:
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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 at 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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Intro to Digital Cameras
This introductory class for budding photographers will explore the "Exposure Triangle": the camera's ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. The goal of this class is for attendees to understand and be comfortable with the buttons, dials, and settings of digital cameras, and to see how they all work together to record an image.
Patrons are encouraged to bring their own digital camera to this class for hands-on practice. Studio cameras will be available for those not bringing a camera.
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Introduction to Digital Cameras takes place at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 9. Seating is limited, and registration is required. |
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Photo Restoration Basics
Learn how to preserve and repair your old or deteriorating photographs using Adobe Photoshop. In this course you will learn how to improve color and fix ripped, scratched, stained, and torn photos. Participants are welcome to bring their own scanned photograph to use during the class but will need to bring an external storage device, such as a USB flash drive, to do so.
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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! 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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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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Intro to Art Digitization
This introductory class will familiarize you with the necessary equipment and fundamentals to digitize your two-dimensional works of art using the 970West Studio.
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The 970West Mic Locker
Explore the collection of microphones available at 970West Studio! In this beginner-friendly class we will review fundamentals of sound, learn about different types of microphones and their features, and practice the basic mechanics of setting up microphones and mic accessories.
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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., across from the Central Library in downtown Grand Junction.
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Follow the 970West Studio on Instagram |
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Follow @970west_studio on Instagram for regular posts about all things 970WestStudio. |
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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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