In this 2012 Nifty assignment, students use fundamental CS topics to explore digital sound processing. Using variables, functions, conditionals, and assignment operators in conjunction with the Pygraphics library, students perform various manipulations on sound files. Vocals are removed from the wav files by using the vocal-removing algorithm to subtract channels and isolate the single vocal track along a particular frequency range. Additional manipulations on the sound files, such as fading in and out and panning, are covered so that students can examine the various capabilities of using Python to manipulate digital sound. This assignment is ideal for students with an understanding of implementing libraries and an interest in digital sound processing.
Have students work together to create and select audio files used in the ‘Removing Vocals’ section to increase Student-Student Interaction. Encourage students to discuss how computer programming is a developed skill and that it can be used in a variety of interdisciplinary settings (such as manipulating digital audio) to Address Misconceptions About the Field of CS.
Provides a Meaningful and Relevant Context by integrating digital sound processing with computer programming. Provides an Interdisciplinary Connection to CS through the integration of digital sound processing, a task frequently performed by sound engineers and audio technicians, with computer science.