Leighton Park was delighted to host Year 7 pupils from Dolphin School on Monday 10th November for an inspiring Music Technology workshop run by our Head of Music Technology, Dan Fisher-Wienesen.
The session explored the fascinating world of Foley sound design—the process of producing everyday noises in a studio to enhance the realism of films and videos. From the creak of a door to the patter of footsteps, the students discovered how these sounds help transform a simple scene into something lifelike and engaging.
To kick things off, the group watched a scene from Wall-E, analysing how its distinctive sound effects were created. This led to a discussion about creativity in sound production and the clever techniques used by Foley artists.
They then viewed a split-screen video comparing mountain bikers speeding through the countryside with a team recreating the accompanying sounds in a recording studio. The contrast gave students a new appreciation for how illusion and artistry combine in film sound.
A fun challenge followed, where everyone tried to identify whether the sound of rainfall had been produced by sizzling bacon or actual rain—a task that led to plenty of laughter and surprise!
Next came the practical element: students worked in small groups to add sound to a short, silent clip from a Bugs Bunny cartoon. After getting to grips with new software, they created and recorded their own sound effects, carefully syncing them to the on-screen action. The results showed impressive imagination and collaboration.
Hannah (Year 7 student at Dolphin) said her favourite part was “making music with my friends,” whilst Leo said he enjoyed “experimenting with different sounds from different instruments!”
After the workshop, the visitors enjoyed lunch in LP’s Oakview, where former Dolphin pupils now studying at Leighton Park caught up with their old classmates. It was a lovely way to round off the visit before the Year 7s returned to Dolphin School.
Click here to see more photographs from the workshop.
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