Workshops & Classes

Sound 2 Screen Workshop

We will demonstrate to students how a song evolves from a concept to a finished product through video. The Freedom Affair will break down the stages of the process using our firsthand knowledge, having completed two full albums, several EPs, and videos.

Workshop Sound 2 Screen
Time 9:00 AM– 2:00 PM
Date July 17, 2025
Location UMKC Katz Hall
Address 5005 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, MO 64110
Fee Free

About the Instructors:
The Freedom Affair

The Freedom Affair is timeless soul music for both the spirit and the dancefloor. Fronted by powerhouse vocalists Paula Saunders, Shon Ruffin, and Seyko Groves, this Kansas City collective blends warm horns, tight rhythm, and rich harmonies into message-driven music rooted in peace, love, and unity.

Their debut album, Freedom Is Love, earned national acclaim with placements in film, TV, and even an Apple iWatch ad. In 2025, they return with a new release and a sound sharper than ever.

Known for their explosive live shows, The Freedom Affair turns every performance into a soul-stirring experience. This isn’t just music—it’s movement, joy, and electricity in real time.

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Workshop Sound 2 Screen
Time 9:00 AM– 2:00 PM
Date July 17, 2025
Location UMKC Katz Hall
Address 5005 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, MO 64110
Fee Free

The Schedule

Step inside and get settled—we’re thrilled to have you here. Whether you came to jam, film, mix, or just soak it all in, today is all about collaboration, creativity, and community. Grab some coffee, say hello, and take a moment to explore the space. The magic starts soon.

Let’s kick things off together. You’ll meet the artists, filmmakers, and facilitators guiding today’s creative journey—and each other! We’ll walk through the day’s flow, share what to expect, and set the

Before the cameras roll, the music has to move us. In this session, we dive into the heart of songwriting—what gives a piece its soul, shape, and story. We’ll begin by exploring sources of inspiration and ideas, tapping into emotion, theme, and narrative to spark creativity. From there, we’ll play with melody and harmony, experimenting with tone and musical feel to shape the sound. Once the mood is set, we’ll talk about song structure, how verses, choruses, and bridges guide the listener through the journey. Finally, we’ll craft lyrics that bring everything together: honest, intentional, and rooted in the story we want to tell. This is where your voice begins to take shape.

With the foundation in place, it’s time to bring the music to life through vocals. We’ll begin by refining the lyrics, making sure every word hits with intention and emotion. From there, we’ll explore vocal arrangement—who sings what, when, and how—building dynamic layers that shape the song’s energy. Melody and harmonies will be tightened and rehearsed, focusing on tone, blend, and balance. Then it’s go time: we’ll step into the recording zone to capture takes and experiment with performance styles. Whether on mic or stage, this is where the sound becomes a voice and the message becomes music.

This session is all about giving the track depth, energy, and attitude through live horns. We’ll start with writing—collaborating on horn lines that complement the vocals and bring new movement to the music. From catchy stabs to soulful swells, we’ll shape parts that speak. Once the arrangement is set, we’ll move into recording, capturing multiple takes to layer tone and texture. Finally, we’ll polish performance elements: timing, expression, and stage presence. Horn players aren’t just background—they’re storytellers, and this is their spotlight moment.

Now it’s your turn to help shape the sound. In this interactive session, the band will toss out an idea, word, or concept, and together, we’ll turn it into a chorus or verse. This is a collaborative crash course in creativity: you’ll apply everything we’ve explored so far, from lyric writing to melody and performance. Whether you sing, write, or just want to contribute an idea, this is your chance to help build something original—and maybe even step up to the mic to sing it out.

With performances in place, it’s time to bring the track to life in the studio. This session dives into the full production process, starting with recording, where we’ll capture clean takes of vocals, instruments, and any new additions. From there, we’ll walk through editing techniques to tighten the timing, clean up layers, and prepare the track for mixing. Then it’s all about balance: blending sounds, adding effects, and creating dynamics that feel cinematic. Finally, we’ll touch on mastering, fine-tuning the polish that makes a song feel finished and ready for the screen. This is where creativity meets technical skill, and where raw recordings become a professional soundtrack.

Music isn’t just what you sound like—it’s how you show up. In this session, we explore the visual and personal branding that supports your sound. From choosing the right attire to express your style, to understanding how to present yourself on stage and online, you’ll learn how to build a creative identity that feels real and resonates. We’ll also dive into social media tips for sharing your work, growing your audience, and keeping your voice authentic across platforms. Whether you're stepping onto a stage or posting to Instagram, this is about showing up with confidence and creativity.

Music isn’t just what you sound like—it’s how you show up. In this session, we explore the visual and personal branding that supports your sound. From choosing the right attire to express your style, to understanding how to present yourself on stage and online, you’ll learn how to build a creative identity that feels real and resonates. We’ll also dive into social media tips for sharing your work, growing your audience, and keeping your voice authentic across platforms. Whether you're stepping onto a stage or posting to Instagram, this is about showing up with confidence and creativity.

You’ve recorded the track—now what? This session dives into the business and strategy behind sharing your music with the world. First, we’ll cover the essentials of licensing and copyright: who owns what, how to protect your work, and why it matters. Then we’ll explore distribution—how to get your song on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and more. From there, we’ll talk marketing: how to build buzz, promote your work, and connect with the right audience. Finally, we’ll touch on placement and bookings—how to get your music into live shows, film projects, and future opportunities. This is where creativity meets strategy—and your art meets the industry.

In this session, we shift focus to the visual side of the project—planning and filming a music video that reflects the mood, message, and energy of the track. We’ll start with staging and setup, talking through locations, lighting, and how to frame each shot. Then it’s lights, camera, action as participants help direct, film, and perform in key scenes. After shooting, we’ll walk through the basics of video editing—how to cut clips, sync visuals to the music, and shape the flow of the final piece. It’s a hands-on introduction to storytelling through film, guided by the rhythm we created together.

As we wrap up the day, this open-floor session is your chance to ask questions, share reflections, and dig deeper into anything we covered—music, film, branding, or the creative process as a whole. Whether you’re curious about a technique, want career advice, or just need a bit of encouragement, our team is here to help. No question is too big or too small—this is your space to connect, clarify, and continue the conversation.

Thank you for being part of Sound 2 Screen! Today was more than just a workshop—it was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community. We’re grateful for your energy, your ideas, and your willingness to jump in and create something real. As you head out, take everything you learned with you—and keep telling your story, in sound and in screen. Stay connected, stay inspired, and we hope to see you at the next Creative City KC event!