For this project, Sophie and I had the opportunity to work with a community musician and record them in the Freestyle studio. Then we learned Pro Tools techniques and edited our muscians voice using reverb and simple removal of things like sighs.

We had the chance to work with a choir member in the community, Jason Bryne. Jason Bryne is a talented tenor who is a Senior at Los Altos High School. He is a hurdler in track, a scientist in ASI, an Actor in our school’s Broken Box, and in the most advanced school choir: Volare. In his free time, he enjoys rollerblading and playing the piano.

Jason sang the song “Ceilings” by Lizzy Alpine and practiced singing with varying emotions. We recorded six tracks in the studio. After he recorded his tracks, Sophie and I used Pro Tools to add minimal reverb and remove elements like unusual breaths or coughs.

For this project, we worked collaboratively to explore the process of recording and shaping a vocal performance from start to finish. We partnered with a choir member from our community, Jason Bryne, a senior at Los Altos High School and a tenor in the advanced choir Volare. Jason is also involved in track as a hurdler, ASI as a scientist, and theater through Broken Box, which brought a unique sense of discipline and personality into the studio.

Before we recorded, we were given a detailed lesson on how to use the studio, including how to start and stop the tracks, how to teach Jason to use the microphones, and how to communicate on the intercom. Then it was time to teach Jason microphone and headphone techniques, and get him comfortable before recording. 

We recorded six vocal tracks in the Freestyle music recording studio, focusing on the song “Ceilings” by Lizzy Alpine. During the recording session, Jason experimented with singing the song using different emotional approaches, which allowed us to hear how tone, breath, and intention can change the meaning of the same lyrics. Working together, we gave feedback in real time and adjusted takes based on what felt most honest and expressive.

After recording, we edited the tracks in Pro Tools. We made intentional choices to remove distractions such as coughs, awkward breaths, and or distracting background noise so the listener could focus fully on the emotion of the performance. We also added subtle reverb to create depth while keeping Jason’s voice natural and present. Throughout the editing process, we discussed each decision together, listening to the tracks multiple times in sections, and balancing technical precision with emotional impact.

This collaboration taught us that recording music is as much about listening and communication as it is about software and equipment. By working together with each other and with Jason, we learned how thoughtful editing can support a performer’s voice, but too much of it can take away from authenticity. Therefore, it is essential to experiment and listen carefully. 

Personally, this experience taught me what it was like to be on the other side of the booth. As a singer, i’m the one on the microphone, singing, not the one in the booth. This process taught me how to give personal feedback and look at the details of someone’s voice and projection to get the best tracks. Overall, I really enjoyed recording with a talent in the community and seeing the joy on someone’s face when they were in the studio.