Summary: In this chapter, Brown describes some of the physical properties of sound. Sound is energy that travels through the molecules of a medium (air, water, wood, etc.) to the receiver. For the sake of this chapter, pitch and frequency are the same thing. Human beings can hear frequencies from 16 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Higher frequencies carry better than lower pitches because they measure at a higher decibel when produced with the same amount of energy. Higher notes do not require more pressure, they do not need to be sung loudly to carry. The Bernoulli effect is a law stating that moving air molecules have lower pressure than stationary air molecules. This decrease in pressure as the air moves through the larynx causes the glottis to come together. Intensity is measured in decibels. Vowels are distinguished by their formants. Pitches are made up of the fundamental frequency and overtones.
Key Concepts: Understanding the physical properties of sound helps us understand our own vocal production. Scientists and Vocalists use slightly different terminology. Pitch and Frequency are the same thing. Intensity, decibels, and loudness describe the same thing. Higher pitches require less intensity to be heard. Resonators determine output.
Key Terms:
sine wave - the pure tone with no overtones. Tuning forks create sine waves.
Making Connections: This is all stuff we've been learning in class, but it's nice to have it all laid out simply. It's evident that Oren Brown is not a scientist, and I'm not certain that all of this information is correct. It does help to understand what we're doing when we sing though.
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