What to do after a successful audition.
How do I get started?
Step 1: Find
a partner to team up with for this project. After auditions are
completed, Dr. Slagell will post a list of contact information and open
times in schedules to help facilitate this. If we can't coordinate
partners we will aim to pair up with another IDB volunteer.
Step 2: Contact Tim West, Digital Recording Specialist to arrange the first appointment for the two of you. Tim responds to email [tim.west@blind.state.ia.us], but if you are trying to set up a time to record, it may be easier to do complete that task by phone at 515-289-3755. If he is recording, he will not be able to answer the phone, so leave him your number and a good time to call you back. Tim prefers that people call to schedule a week or two in advance, though it is okay to call to ask if there is time sooner if you happen to have an opening in your schedule. Remember, their regular operating hours are 8-5 M-F; if you need to schedule outside those times, you'll need to plan ahead with Tim West.
Step 3: Select a reading. Beth Hirst the Librarian of Audio Production for the Iowa Department for the Blind has sent this list of books we can choose from for this project. I will post the list as soon as it is available. Depending on the length of the book and your reading accuracy, you may be able to finish two during your sessions. Send an email to Beth to let her know which books look of interest to you. Be sure to pick a few in case some have already been selected by the time you call. Her email is beth.hirst@blind.state.ia.us or you may also call the toll-free (800)362-2587 number or her direct line at: 515-281-1280.
Step 4: If you can get your hands on the book before going down to Ankeny do so and put in some rehearsal time so that you can make some reading decisions and become familiar with the vocabulary and tone of the book. Check out the holdings at the Iowa State Library and the Ames Public Library.
Step 5: Keep that first appointment. If your plans go awry do be in contact with Tim beforehand to let him know.
Step 6: While you are at the studio you may want to set up the rest of your appointments; take your planner with you.
At any point in the process, feel free to contact Dr. Slagell for advice or assistance.
Step 2: Contact Tim West, Digital Recording Specialist to arrange the first appointment for the two of you. Tim responds to email [tim.west@blind.state.ia.us], but if you are trying to set up a time to record, it may be easier to do complete that task by phone at 515-289-3755. If he is recording, he will not be able to answer the phone, so leave him your number and a good time to call you back. Tim prefers that people call to schedule a week or two in advance, though it is okay to call to ask if there is time sooner if you happen to have an opening in your schedule. Remember, their regular operating hours are 8-5 M-F; if you need to schedule outside those times, you'll need to plan ahead with Tim West.
Step 3: Select a reading. Beth Hirst the Librarian of Audio Production for the Iowa Department for the Blind has sent this list of books we can choose from for this project. I will post the list as soon as it is available. Depending on the length of the book and your reading accuracy, you may be able to finish two during your sessions. Send an email to Beth to let her know which books look of interest to you. Be sure to pick a few in case some have already been selected by the time you call. Her email is beth.hirst@blind.state.ia.us or you may also call the toll-free (800)362-2587 number or her direct line at: 515-281-1280.
Step 4: If you can get your hands on the book before going down to Ankeny do so and put in some rehearsal time so that you can make some reading decisions and become familiar with the vocabulary and tone of the book. Check out the holdings at the Iowa State Library and the Ames Public Library.
Step 5: Keep that first appointment. If your plans go awry do be in contact with Tim beforehand to let him know.
Step 6: While you are at the studio you may want to set up the rest of your appointments; take your planner with you.
At any point in the process, feel free to contact Dr. Slagell for advice or assistance.
How do I get to the recording facility?
The
Iowa Dept for the Blind is being renovated this year, so the recording
studio has relocated to the home of the recording engineer Tim
West. Tim lives at 1060 NW 70th Place in
Ankeny 50023. Here are the directions to get there from Ames; it is a little confusing because there is a short "jog" not really visible on the map to get over to 16th Street place. These directions should help and the maps below will guide you as well. Make sure you have Tim's phone number so you can contact him if there is a problem getting there.
Ankeny 50023. Here are the directions to get there from Ames; it is a little confusing because there is a short "jog" not really visible on the map to get over to 16th Street place. These directions should help and the maps below will guide you as well. Make sure you have Tim's phone number so you can contact him if there is a problem getting there.
1. Take I-35 south from Ames; take exit
90 and turn right (west) on Oralabor Road.
2. After approx. 3 miles you will see Irvindale Drive on your right. At that intersection turn left (south); you will actually be on SW 28th Street.
3. Almost immediately, turn right on NW 78th Place.
4. Almost immediately again, turn left (south) on NW 16th Street.
5. After a little less than a mile, turn left (east) on NW 70th Place.
6. Go to the end of the street and turn right into a gravel driveway. This is NW 70th Place, your destination.
2. After approx. 3 miles you will see Irvindale Drive on your right. At that intersection turn left (south); you will actually be on SW 28th Street.
3. Almost immediately, turn right on NW 78th Place.
4. Almost immediately again, turn left (south) on NW 16th Street.
5. After a little less than a mile, turn left (east) on NW 70th Place.
6. Go to the end of the street and turn right into a gravel driveway. This is NW 70th Place, your destination.
