Del Mar College’s Live Sound class to run board, manage stage for House of Rock’s Outside Stage during Oct. 4 Music Walk
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October
2024
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00:07 AM
Europe/Amsterdam
Students to rotate through various roles for free outdoor event that features headliners, including The Bright Light Social Hour and three local support acts
Article by Richard Guerrero Jr.
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All music venues need specialists to run sound who understand how an artist needs to load in, how to keep the stage moving on time, how to foresee problems that develop and so we start them here.
Paul Bissell, Professor of Sound Recording Technology and Program Coordinator
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SRT Music Walk 2023_5_Del Mar College
MUSC 1405 student Richard Landeros says he has experienced some of these challenges firsthand. As a freelance audio engineer, Landeros has served as a sound designer and engineer for several marching bands as well as Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, which is based in Austin.
Landeros says that running the Music Walk stage is a great opportunity for the students in the Live Sound class to gain real experience running sound for a large event.
“Being put into real-life challenges and pressure of a live gig isn’t something that can be replicated in the classroom,” Landeros notes.
Casey Lain, House of Rock co-owner, adds that running live sound is one of the most challenging jobs at a live event because everyone from the performer to the fan in the crowd is counting on a sound engineer to provide a concert-level sound that is equal parts sonic clarity and effective yet controlled volume.
“Great sound is expected at every event and will leave a lasting impression,” Lain says. “The Live Sound class at Del Mar is a great way to get into the business. This class helps teach the science behind audio engineering and preps students on the basics of running sound.”
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These future audio engineers bring to the table basic knowledge of the technology, how to wrap cables, the language spoken on stage and a good understanding of expectations.
Casey Lain, House of Rock Co-owner
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SRT Music Walk 2023_3_Del Mar College
Bissell adds that certain concepts tend to resonate more deeply in an experiential setting.
“Students can understand the notion that groups are going to be different, but it doesn’t feel tangible,” he says. “Sometimes, it’s knowing when and where the battles are that you need to fight and which ones you’re going to have to push down the road because it’s not going to happen the way you thought. A lot of times in live music, you are responsible but not really in charge.”
At Music Walk, the nine Live Sound students will rotate through various assignments during the evening. The entertainment lineup includes locals Funk Rock Stereo, Emma James and Animal Mood, along with the headliner. Each student will take turns running the mixing console as well as manage stage times, assist with equipment change-outs and trouble-shoot on-stage issues.
SRT Music Walk 2023_4_Del Mar College
Bissell notes that while the Oct. 4 event is the second year that Live Sound students have run a stage at Music Walk, the history of the Live Sound class’s involvement with downtown events dates back to 2000 when his students ran sound for a stage during the Day of the Dead event. In recent years, Live Sound students have run the board in-house at the House of Rock.
For Music Walk’s inaugural kickoff last year, Bissell offered to have Live Sound students run a stage.
“We had everything from rock bands to a singer and keyboardist duo to a full mariachi group – it was all over the place,” Bissell says. “This year, it’s mostly rock bands, so focusing on a single style will make it easier for our students.”
For his part, Landeros says the SRT program has provided networking opportunities that have helped him move forward in the industry.
“I think that along with my work and drive, it is certain to help make my goals happen in the near future,” says Landeros.
About Del Mar College
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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