SIGGRAPH Adds New Music And Audio-Focused Programming

2009's SIGGRAPH trade event is adding tracks to specifically highlight the fields of music and audio, something that the graphics-specific event is not normally known for, organizers announced today. "Just as important as the graphics themselves are the musical elements and how they enhance the visuals and storyline in order to complete the audience experience," says Peter Braccio, the event's industry relations director. Sessions for SIGGRAPH 2009's Music and Audio program will include a keynote from two-time Academy Award-winning sound designer Randy Thom, who'll discuss making sound a full collaborator in the storytelling process. Thom, current director of sound design at Skywalker Sound, has worked on Hollywood films like Forrest Gump, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and The Incredibles. A sound and story panel will feature Oddworld Inhabitants' Lorne Lanning, Tommy Tallarico and Brian Schmidt discussing the role of sound and music in the storytelling aesthetic. Other panel sessions will address DIY music and distribution and interfaces for musical expression. "This new focus on Music & Audio aims to highlight not just the close relationship music and graphic arts have to one another, but also how the integration of music and audio enhances the overall impact of visual pieces," says Braccio. The SIGGRAPH event takes place in New Orleans from the 3rd to the 7th of August -- interested parties can find complete details on the newly-added music and audio sessions at SIGGRAPH by visiting the official site.