Macaulay College

Taking inspiration from musique concrète, students led us on a sonic tour of the farm, recording a varied and rich collection of sounds from across the site including gates closing, sawing, feeding animals, fires, machinery and animal calls.

These recordings became the raw material for a musique concrète-inspired composition, transforming the everyday sounds of the farm into a new musical landscape.

We also held live sessions where students selected objects from the farm and transformed them into instruments. Taking turns conducting the group, the students created live compositions and performances from their voices, and the sounds and objects around them.

This project is a celebration of Macaulay College through listening.

Created and recorded by the students and staff of Macaulay College. Thanks to all at Macaulay College.

Workshop facilitation and production by Robbie and Alicia at HAAR.

Macaulay College was founded in 2010 and is located on Macaulay Farm just outside Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. The farm extends to 120 acres and is home to goats, sheep, donkeys, chickens and more, along with poly tunnels, vegetable plots and a number of workshop areas, project spaces and relaxation areas. The college provides people with additional social and educational requirements with a programme of activities that encourages them to have meaningful and fulfilling working and social lives whilst achieving their full potential and reaching person specific targets.

https://www.macaulaycollege.com/