Fixed Media Piece for NOAA Weather Radio recorded sounds with processing

Program Notes

Severe Thunderstorm Warning (2021) was created in response to my observations of the general public’s lack of acknowledgment of the warnings for severe thunderstorm activity issued by the National Weather Service.  This piece, composed entirely of audio radio from such warnings broadcasted via a NOAA weather radio, was designed to convey the many hazards and threats contained within these sudden thunderstorm events and enhance awareness of the actions that must be taken in order to minimize the impact to life and property.  From my experience, individuals tend to find tornado warnings as far more significant when the threats contained within a severe thunderstorm can be equally as destructive and over a far larger area.  To convey the message that tornados can be hidden within a severe thunderstorm without the specific “tornado warning” being issued, one can hear bits of mention of a tornado within the static and vocal cacophony of the final severe thunderstorm alter announcement.    

This piece contains severe thunderstorm warning alerts mostly from the Western side of Michigan, thus the locations mentioned in the audio will be most familiar to those living on the lower West side of the state.  Only the audio used from NOAA weather radio announcements was used in the creation of this piece.

Performance Notes

Severe Thunderstorm Warning is intended for performance in any venue on loudspeakers.  For added impact, play the piece during the spring, summer or whenever your region is most likely to be impacted by severe weather. 

Link to the Audio:  Severe Thunderstorm Warning (2021)