Sound Systems 101

This in-service training is offered to music educators (band, orchestra, choral & elementary), theater teachers, and principals and support staff involved in using sound equipment in the public school setting and is also available for advanced students who assist you in this area. This area of technology training has been seriously neglected. Makin’ Music began offering 6 hour district training for public schools and educational cooperatives beginning in the summer of 2005.

This workshop is divided into two segments. In the morning all participants will learn the basics of how sound equipment works. We will cover the following topics:

  • Understanding mixers and PA’s – what do all the knobs do?
  • Following the audio chain – what is all of this stuff?
  • Microphones – using the right tool for the right job or making do with what you have.
  • Monitors – helping the performers hear themselves without feedback.
  • Dealing with the venue, performers and audience.
  • Audio Editing Software - types of software available for audio recording and editing.  Also covers transposition, time-stretch and editing techniques.  Specific software applications include Sony Sound Forge, Dexster, Gold Wave and Vegas.
  • Overview of Recording Equipment - involves computer specifications, sound cards, audio monitor systems, keyboards, and USB & Firewire control surfaces

This session will utilize handouts, a portable sound system that I supply and video projection.

During the afternoon session all participants will learn how to use the equipment that they work with in their school. This aspect allows participants to experience "hands-on" training while being assisted by a professional audio engineer addressing issues that affect them.

Why should you take advantage of this training?

How many times have you sat through an assembly or concert and could not hear or understand the speaker/performers? When this occurs, information that you want your students/parents to hear is lost and their time is wasted. The best music and theater performances can be sabotaged by poor use of sound equipment. You can be trained to use a sound system just as you learned to use computers.

Brian Faulkner is an educator, professional musician and audio engineer. With over 1000 hours of experience in training educators, he brings over 20 years of audio experience to your school. Brian holds degrees in music and education and is currently completing his doctorate in education.

What is the cost for this training?

The cost for this training is $750 per day plus expenses, which is more than you probably pay for most training. However, this is equal to the cost of sending one of your staff to training provided at regional sound conferences. Along with the training, I will computer analyze and adjust your auditorium sound system at no extra charge (sound companies charge several hundred dollars for this). I also help make recommendations for future upgrades, helping you to meet your school's needs without trying to sell you equipment. I do not sell, represent or receive compensation from any companies that sell or install audio equipment. This allows me to make unbiased recommendations.  The cost of the training and consultation is usually recovered in the amount of money saved when upgrading equipment.

To schedule in-service training, you may contact me at 1-800-815-5215 (code 02) or 479-970-3605. You may also reach me by e-mail at brian.faulkner@makinmusic.net I look forward to serving you and improving professional development in the area of technology training.

 

Funding for technology training is available under NCLB Title 2a grants.

Conference and In-Service Location Schedule 2008

Please contact the sponsoring organization about registration information.

 

We have provided cooperative training with the following organizations in delivering this workshop:

  • American School Band Directors 2005 National Convention
  • Arch Ford Educational Service Cooperative
  • Arkansas All-State Music Conference 2003-2005
  • Arkansas Choral Directors Association
  • Arkansas Bandmasters Association 2004
  • Arkansas Early Music Educators Association 
  • Arkansas Music Educators Association
  • Arkansas River Educational Service Cooperative
  • Arkansas School Band Orchestra Association
  • Batesville Public Schools
  • Bryant Public Schools
  • Cabot Public Schools
  • Crowley's Ridge Educational Service Cooperative
  • DeQueen-Mena Educational Service Cooperative
  • Magnolia Public Schools
  • North Central Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative
  • Northeast Arkansas Educational Cooperative
  • South Central Service Cooperative
  • Southwest Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative
  • Van Buren Public Schools
  • Western Arkansas Educational Services Cooperative
  • Wilbur D. Mills Educational Service Cooperative

Handout Information

Class Syllabus

Piano Frequency Chart

Voice / Instrument Frequency Chart

Copyright © 2000 Makin' Music. All rights reserved.  Revised: June 14, 2008 .