Unlocking the Power of Sound: A Composer's Journey to Inspire Student Expression

In the heart of Houlton, Maine, a unique collaboration is unfolding between a renowned composer and the students of the Carleton Project, an alternative high school. Bertrand Laurence, a skilled musician, has embarked on a mission to awaken the verbal and written expression of these young minds through the exploration of sound. By tapping into the students' innate connection to the vibrations that surround them, Laurence aims to guide them on a transformative journey of self-discovery and artistic expression.

Unleashing the Transformative Power of Sound

Discovering the Language of Engines

At the heart of Laurence's workshops is the belief that sound can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and creative expression. Each week, he invites the students to delve into their favorite sounds, from the purring of a two-stroke Detroit diesel engine to the roar of a V-8. By encouraging the students to describe these auditory experiences in vivid detail, Laurence taps into their natural inclination to associate specific sounds with emotions, memories, and personal narratives.The workshops are designed to be interactive and engaging, with Laurence guiding the students through a process of deep listening and verbal exploration. As student Austin Brown shares his fascination with the rhythmic cadence of a two-stroke engine, Laurence listens intently, validating the student's unique perspective and using it as a springboard for further discussion.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Mind

Laurence's approach is grounded in the latest research on the cognitive benefits of sound-based learning. Studies conducted at Johns Hopkins University have demonstrated that the association of audio cues with specific behaviors can significantly enhance an individual's ability to process and retain information. By tapping into this neurological phenomenon, Laurence aims to empower the Carleton Project students to explore their inner voices and discover new ways of expressing themselves.During the workshops, Laurence challenges the students to delve into the deeper implications of sound, drawing inspiration from the beliefs of Tibetan monks who view vibrations as having a transformative effect on the physical world. He encourages the students to reflect on their perceptions of the world, their relationships, and their own sense of self, using the language of sound as a gateway to self-discovery.

Collaborative Composition: Building a Song from Scratch

As the workshops progress, Laurence's ultimate goal is to guide the students in the creation of their own musical compositions. By inviting them to respond to his impromptu guitar performances with words and phrases, he helps the students build the foundation for a collaborative song.The process is organic and iterative, with the students contributing their unique perspectives and emotional responses to the music. Laurence then weaves these elements together, creating a tapestry of sound and language that reflects the collective voice of the group.This collaborative approach not only fosters a sense of community within the classroom but also empowers the students to take ownership of their creative expression. As they witness their individual contributions coalescing into a cohesive musical piece, the students gain a deeper understanding of the power of their own voices and the transformative potential of sound.

Bridging the Gap: Connecting the Community through Music

Laurence's involvement with the Carleton Project is part of a broader initiative to bring the power of music education to the local community. Earlier this year, he collaborated with two other artisans to design and build an "eclipse guitar" that was raffled off during the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. While the raffle did not raise as much funding as Laurence had hoped, he remains committed to fulfilling his promise of providing the promised classes at the Carleton Project.For Lilly Haggerty, the executive director of the Carleton Project, Laurence's presence in the classroom is a testament to the power of community engagement. "It's wonderful for the kids when someone from the community shares their talent with them," she says, recognizing the profound impact that such collaborations can have on the personal and artistic development of the students.As the workshops continue, Laurence's vision extends beyond the confines of the classroom. He hopes that by empowering the Carleton Project students to find their unique voices through sound, they will in turn inspire others in the community to embrace the transformative power of music and self-expression.