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Acoustics issues, often referred to as noise problems, can be a real problem, but for many situations the solution may be easier than you think. Here we take a look at four commonly experienced problems in schools and how they might be addressed.

Problem 1 - Reverberant sound levels.

Reverberant sound levels and reflections, commonly described as echoes, are formed by sound bouncing back off hard surfaces. We can measure the time it takes to reflect and decay by 60db and this is known as the “reverberation time”. These reflections occur due to hard surfaces which allow much of the generated sound pressure levels to propagate as reverberant sound. Building Bulletin [BB93] provides guidance for acceptable reverberation times in schools.

To provide a solution we use absorptive, open cell products such as acoustic panels which may be combined with diffusive products. Acoustic panels can be the same colour as the surrounding decor, or they can be covered in fabric or made into a coloured pattern and used as a design feature.

Problem 2 - Structure-borne noise transfer.

Unwanted sound can be generated through floors and ceilings, from outside the building and from plant such as air-conditioning within the structure, which can lead to a noisy environment in which to work. Structure-borne noise transfer can be attributed to a lack of insulation in walls, floors and glazing, holes in the structure, common walls, service ducts and pipework. By measuring the ambient noise of a space typically over a 30minute period a benchmark can be established and compared to recommended levels. Readings in excess of these ideals indicate it’s going to be a difficult space to work in.

Solutions to structure-borne noise transfer are to use additional insulation, increased mass, secondary walls, floating floors and resilient fixings for plant and machinery. Pipework is one of the largest problem areas as these are so wrapped up in the structure of the building in some extreme cases the cheapest solution is actually to change the use of the area. Although you can limit the problem with acoustic covers on the pipes if they are accessible, or install an internal sound isolating room such as our Music Practice Rooms.

Problem 3 - Problems associated with difficulties in hearing speech in a learning environment. Problems associated with difficulties in hearing speech in a learning environment are not due to a lack of volume but when the words themselves are hard to understand. Also, a linked problem is when you hear too much, such as several conversations going on simultaneously. It is due to sound waves bouncing all over the place and are frequently a combination of reverberation times and/or high ambient noise. Because the problem is a combination of the previous two, the solutions are going to be a combination of the previous two as well, such as acoustic panels and acoustic curtains which can be deployed quickly to change the characteristics of a room’s acoustics.

Problem 4 - problems with music or speech on a stage not being heard in the auditorium.

Finally a quick look at problems with music or speech on a stage not being heard in the auditorium. The problem here is not down to increasing volume of the performer, you can’t just “sing louder” or play your musical instrument louder as that would be exhausting for the artists and ruin any kind of light and shade within a piece.

The solution is to use panels designed to reflect the sound back into the auditorium such as a full sized combination of shell “towers” and overhead reflective panels being installed at the venue. Schools or colleges with a smaller space can use ranges designed to be folded up when not required.

Musicians should be aware that good posture is essential to minimise health problems and that playing instruments seated on chairs that do not offer good posture can lead to repetitive strain injuries.

Repetitive Stress Injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, back, neck and shoulder pain and calluses, are risks for musicians who play for any length of time, whether professionally or for pleasure. Many musicians are likely to suffer from some level of repetitive stress at sometime since playing and practising music calls for repetitive motion. Standard chairs let the musician slouch, allowing the spine to be forced out of its natural supportive position. This lowers the rib cage and constricts the diaphragm and reduces airflow. The Wenger Music Posture Chair design adopted insights informed by ergonomic studies and redefined what a music chair should be by providing the seated musician with the same strong, natural posture as if standing.

The Wenger Nota chair, available from Black Cat Music, now takes that concept to the next level by providing rear and forward seating positions that allow musicians to sit in the manner best suited tp their style and instrument. The chairs feature a narrow convex back that provides lumbar support while still allowing freedom and range of movement. A rounded ‘waterfall’ front provides better circulation and comfort for a wide range of body sizes.

Taking a closer look at the Flex Conductor’s System ….

Enhance your personal style

Your conducting style is personal, so you would expect your stand to reflect that. With the Flex stand, you have many options so your equipment won't interfere with your conducting. The dual-lock desk can be positioned with the desk lip toward or away from the conductor, while height can be adjusted without putting your foot on the base for easy adjustment when on the podium.

Stay organized

The better organized you are, the better the rehearsal and with the Flex Conductor's System, you can keep all your teaching and conducting tools within easy reach. Optional baskets keep additional scores and materials within easy reach, or add TechBridge and optional accessories mounts to customize for your particular needs.

Look as good as you sound

As the conductor, you're the focal point for your ensemble and for your audience and thanks to its contemporary styling, the Flex Stand enhances that professional look.

Easy mobility

As a conductor, your stand has to be more substantial, but you also want to be able to take it with you. With the Flex Stand, that's not a problem as its wheeled base allows easy transport from one venue to another.

Introducing Flex TechBridge for flexible configuration

No two rehearsal rooms as the same, which is why Flex TechBridge is so adaptable to your space and needs. Configurable in length, it can accept a variety of accessory mounts and be used alone or in combination with Flex Conductor's Stand. Height is adjustable for use with podiums. And if you want to incorporate a Keyboard Mount, an iPad Mount or Laptop Mount – or even create your own accessories with Bridge Clips – then Flex TechBridge has the answers.

Wenger choral risers, exclusively supplied by Black Cat Music, certainly get around and have become an essential staging element for many choral groups.

Viva Acappella describe themselves as, “fun, friendly, sociable and passionate about singing and we work to high standards to ensure that our audiences experience the very best in harmony singing”. Not surprising they extend their attention for high standards to the choice of Wenger Tourmaster risers.

Also using Wenger Risers are Cheshire Chord Company celebrating their 20th year and Grand Central Chorus who have been performing “top quality Barbershop, since it was formed in 1991”. They enjoy performing “in all manner of venues – castles, churches, village halls, marquees, supermarkets, on the streets and the largest, East Midlands Airport departure hall.” Just as well that Wenger Tourmaster choral risers are exceptionally portable and robust - no other risers fold, roll, set up or travel so smoothly.

The Tourmaster sets up in seconds and is easy to take up stairs, around tight corners, across the parking lot, and into a bus or a van. Precision engineering and using only the best materials means Tourmaster risers will deliver reliable operation for a long, long time. It ensures that Tourmaster choral risers are definitely the best travelling risers, combining affordability with long-lasting value. Better still, the Tourmaster comes with a full five-year warranty.

Choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone OBE was seen at Voices Now choral festival at work with a Wenger Classic 50 music stand.

Well known for his television appearances in programmes such as The Choir which focus on singing and introducing choral music to new participants and for his enthusiastic support of the Military Wives, he describes himself as an "animateur, presenter and populariser of choral singing".Voices Now was a weekend long event for all things choral convened at the Roundhouse in London in June.

Classic 50 Music Stands, available exclusively from Black Cat Music, are tough enough to handle the hardships of regular use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands. Its elegant design makes it quiet and rattle-free during performances. And the scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simplicity itself, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments.

When the Wenger UltraStor instrument storage cabinets were delivered to the Blyth Centre for Music and Visual Arts at Imperial College, London everything just clicked into place.

Administrator for the Blyth Centre for Music and Visual Arts, Mary Bowe praised the Black Music team saying, “John and Dean did a great job, it ran like a military operation and thank you very much for all your help in getting our order to us today.”

Imperial College offers a rich selection of music options for student and staff alike, whether an orchestral violinist or a jazz drummer, an experienced singer wanting to join a choir or a guitarist wanting to start a band, or maybe someone who just wants to enjoy listening to other people making great music. With five orchestras, four choirs, a string ensemble, a wind band, two jazz big bands and a musical theatre society at Imperial, as well as many smaller ensembles, no wonder efficient instrument storage is important!

The Wenger UltraStor instrument storage cabinets enjoy the benefit of patented polyethylene shelves and are described as the best-built, most-reliable storage cabinets available. Heavy-duty hardware and top-quality doors further ensure reliable day-to-day operation and unparalleled durability. Available in a range of sizes, colours and styles, including different door types for different applications, cabinets are modular so can be re-arranged and added to as required.