Upcoming Meeting - November 10, 2011

A Celebration Honoring Four Distinguished Boston Area Acousticians Who Received Major ASA Awards In 2011

The ASA Greater Boston Chapter is pleased to welcome friends of the honorees and our colleagues in the Boston Section of the Audio Engineering Society and of the Boston Audio Society   Featured Honorees:   ·      Acoustical Society of America Honorary Fellow Amar G. Bose – Seattle, May 2011   ·      Helmholtz-Rayleigh Interdisciplinary Silver Medal in Underwater Acoustics and Engineering Acoustics James E. Barger – Seattle, May 2011   ·      Acoustical Society of America Gold Medal Eric E. Ungar – Seattle, May 2011   ·      Acoustical Society of America Wallace Clement Sabine Silver Medal in Architectural Acoustics J. Christopher Jaffe – San Diego, November 2011

Upcoming Meeting - October 28, 2011

Memorial Church at Harvard University Opus 139 Pipe Organ Tour

Joint Meeting with the Boston Society of Architects

FEATURED TOUR SPEAKERS:      ·Christopher Lane and Maurice Finegold – Finegold Alexander + Associates ·David Pike and Gregory Bover – C. B. Fisk, Inc. ·Christian Lane and Edward Jones – Memorial Church   Description   Be one of the first to see the newly renovated and award winning Memorial Church at Harvard University, and experience the ongoing installation of Opus 139, which is a three-manual, 53-stop pipe organ.

Upcoming Meeting - October 18th, 2011

Sean Olive: Teens May Prefer Accurate Sound Reproduction

Presenter Sean Olive, Harman International Description With the advent of MP3 players and the availability of compressed music, the media have reported that younger audio consumers have become either indifferent to sound quality, or worse, they may actually prefer bad sound to good sound. Sean Olive recently conducted two listening experiments on a group of high school students to determine their sound quality preferences for lossy versus lossless music file formats, and different qualities of loudspeakers. Teenagers preferred the most accurate, higher quality options. Sean Olive will also address other topics of interest to those in the audio field. Sean Olive is Director of Acoustic Research for Harman International. He directs the Corporate R&D group, and oversees the subjective evaluation of new audio products including Harman's OEM automotive audio systems. Prior to 1993, he was a research scientist at the National Research Council of Canada where his research focused on the perception and measurement of loudspeakers, listening rooms, and microphones.

September 8, 2011

2011-2012 GBCASA Planning Meeting

Description We plan to hold an open dinner meeting at Karoun Restaurant in Newton, MA at 6:00PM on Thursday, September 8. The focus of the meeting will be brainstorming for meeting ideas, chapter business and selection of officers. All GBCASA members, as well as new members, are welcome to participate. Please join us to provide your suggestions for meeting ideas! Date Thursday, September 8, 2011 6:00 PM - Dinner and Season Planning Meeting Place Karoun Restaurant 839 Washingon Street Newton, MA 02460 Click here to download a PDF of the meeting notice.

May 19, 2011

Annual Newman Student Award Fund Concert featuring
"The Lincoln Hill Trio"

Performer The Lincoln Hill Trio Description Please join us for the annual Robert Bradford Newman Student Award Fund Concert at the residence of Mrs. Mary Newman. This year, the featured performers will be the Lincoln Hill Trio.The group, featuring singer Mary Crowe and composed of outstanding local musicians, will perform jazz, blues and theatre standards. Newman Fund concerts afford a fantastic opportunity to hear a small group play in a well tuned, intimate acoustic setting. The concert will take place in the large living room which was designed by the late Bob Newman. A reception will follow the concert with beverages and light snacks.

March 16, 2011

Museum Of Fine Arts: Art Of The Americas Wing And Shapiro Family Courtyard Acoustics Tour

Presenter Ben Davenny - Acentech, Inc. Description The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston opened its new Art of the Americas Wing in November, 2010. This $345 Million expansion added dozens of new galleries for American artwork, along with the impressive Shapiro Family Courtyard – a dynamic gathering space for MFA visitors and a venue for special events. The expansion was designed by Foster + Partners of London in collaboration with CBT Architects of Boston. Acentech consulted on the acoustical and audiovisual design throughout the new and renovated Museum. As part of the design process, Acentech developed a computer model and auralization of how the Courtyard would sound under various conditions -- for example, filled with a large gathering of people, in a dining configuration, and with amplified speech or a live music ensemble. Acentech also simulated the sound of speech in the Courtyard with and without the steerable line arrays that Acentech designed for the space. These auralizations played a major role in the design process. The Museum’s expansion also included the Alfond Auditorium, a sophisticated new 150-seat space for films, lectures, and concerts. Unfortunately, this space will not be included on the tour due to scheduling conflicts. Acentech’s project manager for the MFA, Ben Markham, will lead a tour of the new Art of the Americas Wing and the Shapiro Family Courtyard, highlighting the acoustical features of the building’s design.

February 17, 2011

Acoustics in Healthcare: Performance-based Standards for the Environment of Care

Presenters David Sykes Bill Cavanaugh Greg Tocci Ben Davenny Description 2010 was a landmark year for healthcare acoustics, with several important milestones achieved which significantly increase the influence of the acoustical consultant in the design process. Owing to the work of the Panelists, the recently adopted Guidelines for Design and Construction of Healthcare Facilities from the Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI) now sets performance-based standards for acoustical conditions in healthcare facilities. The Panel will review these standards and answer questions.

January 19, 2011

Sex, Money, Religion, And Politics: Understanding Noise Policy In Terms Of What Is Left Unsaid

Presenters Les Blomberg Noise Pollution Clearinghouse Description Sex, money, religion, and politics. We are not supposed to talk about these things. And when it comes to discussions of creating a comprehensive noise policy, we generally do not, and perhaps we should not. But we should at least understand their contribution to the mélange of laws and regulations that is our current noise policy. This paper examines the elephant in the room that people are not talking about. Les Blomberg is the Founder and Executive Director of the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse. Since 1996, the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse has built the largest online library of noise and acted as reference librarians to the general public concerning noise.

Upcoming Meeting - November 4, 2010

National Academy of Engineering - "Technology for a Quieter America"

Featured Speaker Dr. George Maling National Academy of Engineering Description The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) announced on October 7, 2010 the availability of a new book titled "Technology for a Quieter America." The book was prepared by an NAE Study Committee chaired by George Maling, and includes topics such as cost-benefit analysis, noise control technology, hazardous noise, competitiveness, and noise metrics. In the report, recommendations are made with respect to transportation noise, hazardous noise, noise in buildings, and other topics. The report calls for an expanded role for the EPA which can be undertaken under current law. Dr. Maling will present key findings and information from the report. Attendees will receive a flyer with an ordering code for a 25% discount off the list price of $44.00 for the NAE report "Technology for a Quieter America". More details about the book can be found here.

2010-2011 Introductory Letter

October 4, 2010

Dear Members and Friends:

Thank you once again for a very successful 2009-2010 season. Preparations have begun for another exciting schedule for the next year of events and meetings for the Greater Boston Chapter of the Acoustical Society of America. Tentative plans for this upcoming season include a tour of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, a discussion of the upcoming ASA Drama Theaters book, and a demonstration of an electronic reverberation enhancement system. We also hope to include presentations on a wide variety of topics such as loudness perception, wind turbine noise, and ANSI/CHPS/LEED for Schools. As always, we will continue our relationship with local student chapters, neighboring local chapters of the ASA, and other related organizations.

As a group, our goals are to reach a broad spectrum of people with a common interest in acoustics, to gather about once a month to discuss topics in the field, and to offer perspectives on current issues in acoustics. Be sure to check the chapter’s website at http://www.gbcasa.org to find the latest chapter information. We encourage you to join our email distribution to receive meeting notices right away. You can sign up instantly by clicking on the “Join Yahoo Groups” link on our website.

The Greater Boston Chapter and its events are supported on a volunteer basis. Please be aware that it is not necessary to be a member of ASA National to join our local chapter, and guests are always welcome at all events. If you would prefer to pay your dues by hand, please take a moment to fill out and submit the enclosed membership form with a payment to ensure that meetings are paid for and that we have your correct contact information. Be sure to include your email address as we will continue to distribute our meeting notices solely via email this year. Alternatively, you can pay your membership dues on our website by clicking on “Membership Dues”.

We look forward to seeing you at our meetings!

Sincerely,
Alicia J. Wagner
Chairperson
awagner@acentech.com

September 16, 2010

Annual Newman Student Award Fund Concert

Performers
Sam Gilman, Piano
Andy Carballeira, Hammond Organ and Bass Pedals
with special guest singer Alicia Wagner

The featured performers this year will be Sam Gilman and Andy Carballeira, who will present a program of jazz standards as a piano/organ duo in the style of the late Jimmy Mcgriff, one of the pioneers of Hammond organ as a serious jazz instrument.

There will be a reception immediately following the concert. For additional information about the Newman Student Award Fund please visit the Fund’s website (http://www.newmanfund.org/).

Date
September 16, 2010
7:00 PM – Concert
8:00 PM – Social Hour

Cost
GBCASA meetings are generally free, and and members are encouraged to invite interested colleagues and friends of the Chapter to attend.

2010-2011 GBCASA Planning Meeting

Minutes of the 2010-2011 Planning Meeting, held at Karoun Restaurant

July 14, 2010

Research At University Of Hartford: Classroom Activity Noise, And Listener Envelopment And Late Lateral Sound Level

Presenters Dr. Robert D. Celmer, P.E. Dr. Michelle C. Vigeant University of Hartford Description Part 1 – Classroom Activity Noise The ANSI standard for schools (S12.60-2002), gives specific room acoustic performance criteria, including appropriate background noise levels. However, the background noise criteria does not address sound generated by classroom occupants. This talk describes a study that was undertaken to quantify activity noise levels within classrooms. A comparison of the average overall dBA and spectral results and their implications for the standard will be discussed. Part 2 – Listener Envelopment and Late Lateral Sound Level Listener envelopment, the sense of being immersed in the sound field, has been shown to correlate with the objective parameter late lateral sound level (GLL). A study was carried out to investigate if GLL is related to the total acoustic absorption in a hall. The presentation will include a discussion about a detailed room acoustics computer model of a hall and validated using the measurements. In addition, a discussion of the model’s accuracy in terms of its predicted GLL values and an evaluation of the proposed relationship between GLL and total acoustic absorption will also be included.

June 5, 2010

Mark Schubin Discussing the Technology behind the Metropolitan Opera Worldwide Live HD Theatercasts

Presenters Mark Schubin - Engineer-in-Charge, Metropolitan Opera HD Theatercasts Description Mr. Schubin will describe: The history of operatic broadcasting, including many audio and video firsts that occurred with opera broadcasts and recordings. The technology behind the HD theatercasts (including cameras and microphone placements, the production trucks, the international satellite links, and the multiple audio and video formats), plus the very tight schedule and constraints under which they prepare and produce the broadcasts. Mr. Schubin will play a short excerpt from a Met Opera HD broadcast.

May 20, 2010

Low Frequency Sound and Infrasound from Wind Turbines

Presenters Robert O'Neal, Epsilon Associates Robert Hellweg, Epsilon Associates Richard Lampeter, Epsilon Associates Description A common issue raised with wind energy developers and operators of utility-scale wind turbines is whether the operation of their wind turbines may create unacceptable levels of low frequency noise and infrasound. In order to answer this question, one of the major wind energy developers commissioned a scientific study of their wind turbine fleet. The study consisted of three parts: a world-wide literature search to determine unbiased guidelines and standards used to evaluate low frequency sound and infrasound, a field study to measure wind turbine noise outside and within nearby residences, and a comparison of the field results to the guidelines and standards. The study concludes that there should be no adverse effects from infrasound or low frequency noise at distances greater than 305 meters from wind farms with the wind turbine types measured. Details of the study will be presented at the GBC/ASA meeting.

April 30, 2010

Tour of the Recently Renovated Paramount Theatre

Presenters
Ross Cameron, Elkus Manfredi Architects
Bob Berens, Acentech Inc.

Description
The Paramount Theater opened in 1932 as a 1600-hundred-seat, single-screen movie theatre. It was the last of the great movie palaces erected on downtown Boston's Washington Street, and the only one built exclusively for talking pictures. In decline throughout various cinema and adult entertainment uses in the 1960s and 70s, the Paramount closed in 1976; most of its Art Deco interior decoration was destroyed during the removal of asbestos in the 1980s.

In April 2005, Emerson College announced plans to substantially expand and enhance their performing arts program: Elkus Manfredi Architects was hired to prepare plans for the renovation of the Paramount Theatre and to design new theatrical training and performance development facilities at the site of the former Arcade Building, adjacent to the Paramount on Washington Street. In addition to the historically-informed conversion of the original Paramount Theater into a 590-seat live performance venue, the $83 million project included the creation of a 125-seat black box theater, a 200-seat film screening room, a sound stage for film production classes, a scene shop, rehearsal studios, practice rooms for individuals and small groups, classrooms, offices for faculty and staff, a restaurant, a student café, and a residence facility for over 250 students. Acentech, Inc. provided acoustical consulting for the project.

March 16, 2010

Celebration For Two New Books By GBCASA Authors

Description
Please join us to celebrate the release of two exciting new publications in the world of Architectural Acoustics. Several of the contributors will be on hand to discuss the books and sign copies. The Chapter will be providing hors d'œuvres and beverages.

Presenters
Bill Cavanaugh, Greg Tocci, Rein Pirn, Jeff Fullerton and Matt Moore
"Architectural Acoustics: Principles and Practice, Second Edition" (Wiley)
www.wiley.com/buy/9780470190524

February 9, 2010

Workshop on the MassDEP L90 ambient noise requirement and the way consultants implement it.

Organizer
Bob Hellweg, Epsilon Associates

Panel
Michael Bahtiarian, Noise Control Engineering
James Barnes, Acentech
Christopher Menge, Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc.
Robert O'Neal, Epsilon Associates
Greg Tocci, Cavanaugh Tocci Associates

Description
The State of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Noise Policy: DAQC policy 90-001 limits source sound levels to a 10-dBA increase over the ambient (L90) measured at the project property line and at the nearest residences. There are no procedures published on implementing this requirement and consultants have used a variety of techniques. Five noise control engineers from area consulting firms will discuss their methods of determining L90 ambient levels according to the MassDEP ambient policy and will discuss problems and make recommendations. A discussion involving panelist and attendees will follow with a goal of reaching consensus or have a plan for developing recommendations to MassDEP on procedures.

January 14, 2010

Introduction to CBT Loudspeaker Arrays

Presenters
Don Keele
DBK Associates, DKB Labs

Description
Don will discuss the background and history of Constant Beamwidth Transducer (CBT) arrays and will describe and discuss the measurement and simulation results of several CBT line array prototypes that were constructed for home applications. He will offer suggestions for possible CBT-based DIY home construction projects and provide general guidance.

November 14, 2009

A Tour of C.B. Fisk Organ Builders

Description

Our friends at C.B.Fisk, Inc. in Gloucester are having an open house to show, see and hear their latest work, Opus 136, a three manual, 39 stop organ for St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since GBC/ ASA’s evening meeting there many years ago the chapter has had a standing invitation to these open workshops usually scheduled on Saturdays making it convenient for chapter members who might want to make a weekend visit to this historic north shore town.

October 08, 2009

Development of Passive and Active Noise Control for Next Generation Locomotive Cabs

Presenters
Timothy Johnson
Consultant, Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc.

Description
The noise environment in a locomotive cab has been the focus of recent attention by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). In October 2006 the FRA established a new rule to amend its existing occupational noise standards for railroad employees whose predominant noise exposure occurs in locomotive cabs. The noise exposure rule is expressed in terms of the A-weighted noise level and is consistent with OSHA limits set for general workplace noise exposure. Recent studies have shown that low-frequency sound can be an important contributor to noise induced hearing loss as well as fatigue. Therefore the focus of the FRA rule on the A-weighted noise level may not be enough to guarantee a fatigue-free cab environment where low-frequency sound sources are dominant.