PERFORMERS’ HEARING
SCREEN TIME
Sound blockers for orchestral musicians
generally come in two types: screens made
of Plexiglas or acrylic glass that are erected
between players, and ear shields that are
mounted to the tops of musicians’ seats. With
the latter, musicians can lean backwards into
the sound-absorbing shell, to protect their ears
at moments of their choosing.
Magne Skålevik of Brekke & Strand believes
that screens don’t necessarily lower the noise
level experienced by musicians, but can give
them a better balance between their own
instrument and the orchestra. “You hear
everything in front of you better, including
your own voice or instrument,” says Skålevik.
“When the individual musician has a good
balance between their own instrument and
An acoustic screen the orchestra, then they can play a bit softer.”
manufactured by RAT Stands
AUDITORIA 2020 VOLUME ONE 21