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Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Crown Offering Free Online Seminars For Network Design In Audio Projects This Week

The free seminars are first-come, first-serve, with registration being limited to 50 participants per seminar

Crown International is offering two online seminars focused on network design for audio projects.

The free seminars are first-come, first-serve, with registration being limited to 50 participants per seminar. Each will be offered twice to accommodate individual schedules.

Each seminar will be led by Bradford Benn, Director of Application Engineering for Crown. Benn is Crown’s lead network design and development specialist and has worked on projects ranging from NFL stadiums and NASCAR racetracks to NHL arenas.

The first of the two seminars entitled Networking 101 will be a primer on Ethernet Networking.  It will include basic discussion of connectivity, addressing, and hardware options. It is designed to assist with the design of basic systems and provide a vocabulary to build from larger systems.

The session will be offered at the following times:

Thursday, December 3, 2009
2:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time
Session number: 719 316 881

Friday, December 4, 2009
9:00 am, Eastern Standard Time
Session number: 713 516 242

The second session, Deconstructing an Arena, will discuss how one goes through designing a networked control system for an arena studio system. The concepts discussed will apply to all sizes of projects. 

The session will be offered at the following times:

Thursday, December 3, 2009
9:00 am, Eastern Standard Time
Session number: 717 500 457

Friday, December 4, 2009
2:00 pm, Eastern Standard Time
Session number: 719 014 996

For more information, or to register for any of the above seminars go to http://www.crownaudio.com/tutorials/webinars091203.htm

These seminars will be conducted through WebEx Training Center. The requirements are an active internet connection, a web browser, and either a computer with audio capability. Exact requirements can be found at http://support.webex.com/support/system-requirements.html

Crown Website

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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Building Your Church Sound Team: Job Descriptions & Scheduling

More insights and information on building your church sound team from "The Ultimate Church Sound Operator's Handbook", a new book written to specifically address the concerns and needs of the sound person who serves ministries and churches

Click here to read part 1 of this article.

The sound team leader should develop job descriptions for each position.

Most churches have a wide range of sound support needs, and each task is unique. Youth groups, various adult ministries, children’s groups, dramatic presentations, and regular Sunday services could all utilize different sound systems.

You will help yourself and your team if you prepare a detailed description of setup and striking procedures, as well as operational requirements, insights, and tips.

Again, this is a front-loaded activity that requires substantial energy to initiate, but offers a huge payoff. The team members will be happier because they’ll know what they’re getting in for, the ministry leaders will be ecstatic, and all the sound techs will be better at what they do.

Be sure that each job description includes:
• An explanation of the ministry
• The potential range of the time commitment involved, including typical event times, sound team staff meetings, setup and strike times, and the overall length of the commitment to serve
• A list of required equipment and cables
• The location of the equipment
• A detailed setup map showing the physical location of everything and everyone on stage
• A diagram showing how every piece of equipment is connected
• Suggestions for an efficient setup procedure
• A list of instruments and voices on the music or drama team
• Suggested equipment settings
• The location of all circuit panels and a digital photo of the circuit breakers that control each power outlet in the room
• The striking procedure and special instructions regarding storage locations after the event
• Contact information for the sound team leader, music director, ministry leader, facilities administrator, and so on

Over the course of time, develop these job descriptions so that they are complete, accurate, and helpful.

This type of job description can serve as a handbook for each team member, helping to eliminate confusion and increase efficiency.

Scheduling
Sometimes, the paid sound operator just shows up for church and runs sound, possibly maintaining the gear and making sure everything gets set up before the service and put away after.

However, typically the staff sound operator is given the primary responsibility of building and administrating a team of volunteers.

In a ministry application, there is a high level of importance placed on providing an opportunity for the congregants to participate in each ministry—the sound ministry happens to be an area in which volunteers can be trained to function well, as long as they have a sufficient aptitude and a strong desire to learn.

Once you build a team of several sound operators and as your church ministry needs expand, scheduling will become a concern.

Consider that most thriving modern churches have enough different ministries to fill up several evenings each week, along with several weekend activities, so scheduling audio support for all of them is an administrative extravaganza.

The need for organization is imperative in these situations.

There are many excellent scheduling software packages available on the Internet; plus, the calendar programs available in the Mac OS iCal, Outlook, Entourage, FileMaker Pro, Datebook Pro, and so on are becoming increasingly powerful and useful.

Whatever software you decide to use to keep your team organized and dependable, use it regularly and keep it up to date.

There are several features that you should look for in your scheduling system, including:
• Wireless bidirectional synchronization with your PDA, phone, laptop, desktop, work, and home computers
• Automatically generated calendars in HTML format for Internet distribution
• Individual calendars for each team member
• A comprehensive reminder architecture that automatically generates e-mails for sound operators, ministry directors, staff, and pastors
• Easy-to-use functionality
• Color coding so that each ministry category displays in its own unique color for easy visual recognition
• The ability to generate calendars that filter by ministry category as well as by team member

Be sure to take full advantage of the Internet in your scheduling communications.

Once all the team members understand that e-mail is an important form of communication, they’ll check it often and be appreciative of this vital connection point.

Most modern churches have a website, and the system administrator should be able to supply you with a sound team page so that you can post the schedule online.

Even in your e-mail connections, link to the online calendar so that any changes that are made are instantly available and accurate.

If your team gets used to checking the website calendar instead of looking at an old e-mail with an expired version attached to it, you’ll save yourself and them the heartache of missing a service or showing up for one that’s been canceled.

Whatever system you implement, try to find the routine that makes it convenient for you to update the information and easy for your team to access it. Automate as many features as possible.

The Internet is full of interesting utilities, and they can be helpful, but in addition, try your hand at scripting languages.

Scripts can automate almost any operation, function, or routine. The language isn’t always intuitive, but it’s also not that difficult to conquer.

The beauty of writing your own scripts is that you can easily incorporate multiple applications, documents, and utilities.

Scripts provide a convenient way to combine the functionality of your favorite software packages.

Click here to read part 1 of this article.

To acquire “The Ultimate Church Sound Operator’s Handbook” from Backbeat Books, click over to http://www.musicdispatch.com. NOTE: ProSoundWeb readers can enter promotional code NY9 when checking out to receive an additional 20% off the retail price plus free shipping (offer valid to U.S. residents, applies only to media mail shipping, additional charges may apply for expedited mailing services).

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Monday, October 26, 2009

NSCA’s 2010 Business & Leadership Conference Assists Commercial Electronic System Professional

The only conference designed specifically for commercial electronic systems executives and managers will be held February 25-27, 2010, in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, at the PGA National Resort and Spa.

Business practices have changed over the past year to reflect the changing economy. NSCA’s 2010 Business & Leadership Conference will provide commercial electronic system professionals with ideas on how to transform business to improve the bottom line, increase office morale and adapt to the new reality that will remain even after the recession.

The only conference designed specifically for commercial electronic systems executives and managers will be held February 25-27, 2010, in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, at the PGA National Resort and Spa. 

“Attending this conference has proved to be an essential part of my business plan year after year,” said Todd Lucy, South Western Communications, Inc. president. “Integrators are facing new challenges each and every day.

“At a networking event designed specifically for our industry, business owners and managers get real, timely and relevant solutions they can implement in their businesses.”

Attendees often point out the extra value the conference provides through opportunities to discuss shared challenges with their industry peers.

These breakout and networking sessions allow them to learn from seasoned industry veterans and up-and-coming new owners.

Additionally, experts on marketing, sales, human resources and finance present proven strategies to improve operations, as well. 

“The ‘norm’ that business owners once knew has completely changed,” said NSCA Executive Director, Chuck Wilson. “New realities are forcing what were traditional models of management to be evaluated and, in many cases, completely discarded.

“The Business & Leadership Conference provides a forum for attendees to gain new perspectives and ideas, building better businesses and integrators simultaneously.”

Conference attendees can also customize their learning experience to focus on their specific needs, interests and issues. Sessions address topics such as:

• Finding the Upside (In a Downsized Market): A Review of Market Conditions and Trends
• Operational Excellence
• Fierce Leadership
• Everyone is Looking at You – So, What’s the Next Step? How to Take the Fear and Loathing out of Strategic Planning
• Brand Building: A Workshop for Companies Wanting To Grow
• Good to Great Book Review

Sponsors of the event include InfoComm International, Mitek Communications Group (host sponsor); SCN (co-host and media sponsor); AMX; Biamp Systems; FSR, Inc; Herman Procurement & Logistics; Rauland-Borg Corporation; Shure Incorporated; and West Penn Wire.

Register now for the NSCA Business & Leadership Conference and pay only $799. After December 31, rates will increase to $899. For more information or to register, visit http://www.nsca.org/blc or call 800.446.6722.

NSCA Business & Leadership Conference

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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Sennheiser Brings Its Wireless Personal Monitor Mixing Training To “Seminars 4 Worship” Series

Attendees will learn about hearing and perception, the use of individual wireless monitor systems, and benefit from demonstrations of various techniques

The successful Sennheiser Sound Academy seminars are being expanded, and are now available as information-packed segments through other high-quality educational organizations.

The latest institution to feature Sennheiser training is Seminars4Worship, a traveling workshop for worship leaders and technicians that includes an in-depth wireless personal monitor mixing session led by Sennheiser’s installed sound applications manager, Kent Margraves.

Entitled “In-Ear Monitor Systems in Worship,” the informative session is cut straight from the Sennheiser Installed Sound Academy seminar for technicians and operators.

Attendees will learn how hearing and perception relates to the art of stage monitoring and will use individual wireless personal monitor systems to hear several examples from live worship stages.

Various techniques will also be discussed and demonstrated in the session.

Upcoming dates for the Seminars4Worship Series:
SEPTEMBER 10-11, 2009 • Oklahoma City • Crossings Community Church
OCTOBER 5-6, 2009 • Tampa • First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks
OCTOBER 12-13, 2009 • Memphis • Faith Baptist Church
NOVEMBER 2-3, 2009 • Cleveland • Cuyahoga Valley Church
NOVEMBER 9-10, 2009 • Virginia Beach • Wave Church

Registration rates range from $99 to $299, depending upon status and sign-up date.

Attendees can register for the seminars at www.seminars4worship.com

Sennheiser USA Website

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Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Smaart Training Class Confirmed For Houston In Late October

Smaart Training Class is open to all interested persons - no prior measurement/system alignment experience required

Rational Acoustics has confirmed a new Smaart Training Class in Houston, Texas, slated for October 27 - 29 at LD Systems.

The class will follow the standard three-day format and will be taught by Smaart Guru Jamie Anderson of Rational Acoustics. 

Days 1 and 2 cover:
Fundamentals
Applications

Day 3 will be the working practicum/advanced class. 

Smaart Training Class is open to all interested persons - no prior measurement/system alignment experience required. Note, however, that the course does assume a working knowledge of professional sound system engineering practices and basic audio fundamentals.

An informational sheet on the class is available on the Rational Acoustics class schedule page. 

Registration for this class is now open on the Rational Acoustics training registration page, or by calling Barb Mattson at 860-928-7828.

Rational Acoustics Website

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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Coming Up Fast: Syn-Aud-Con Presenting Digital Seminar In Mid-September

This is the only time this class will be presented in 2009

Syn-Aud-Con will be presenting the Syn-Aud-Con Digital Seminar in Dallas, on September 14-16, 2009. 

The seminar is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to digital audio, digital signal processing and networking. This is the only time this class will be presented in 2009.

This class is taught by three instructors - Steve Macatee, Brad Benn, and Pat Brown - each coming from a different background, making this team diverse and highly qualified.

Sample comments from attendees of the most recent Syn-Aud-Con Digital Seminar:

“Pat, Steve and Brad make learning fun. Class is well organized and well presented. Great troubleshooting techniques presented during the third day when constructing the local network.”

“I love this type of learning environment because it brings together people with a wide range of specializations and experience. I found the presentation to be well paced and flexible/responsive to the class interests. Great Seminar – learned so much.”

Syn-Aud-Con will be bringing a trailer full of equipment to the seminar, with the instructor team deploying a multimedia approach. Day three presents the opportunity for attendees to construct a local network.

Cost is $900. Seminar agenda is here, and registration can be done online here or by calling 800.796.2831.

Syn-Aud-Con Website

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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Rational Acoustics Appoints SonoTribe As Official Smaart Instructors

Mexico City audio consultants to offer Spanish language Smaart training classes in Mexico and Latin America

Rational Acoustics has appointed SonoTribe Audio Consultants as the official providers of Spanish language Smaart Training Classes for Mexico and Latin America.

Founded in 2007 by Oscar Gamas and Salvador Castaneda, SonoTribe provides system design and analysis services for a wide variety of clients across Latin America in addition to teaching classes in audio theory, system design and implementation. 

Prior to founding SonoTribe, Gamas and Castaneda were employed by Meyer Sound in the design and education departments respectively. Together they possess over 25 years of experience in professional audio design, development and instruction in Mexico and worldwide.

“Our goal has always been to provide the highest-quality technical and educational support for the Smaart user-base.” notes Jamie Anderson, Rational Acoustics CEO and Smaart Instructor.  “Providing regional, local-language training classes is an excellent way to accomplish this goal and I can’t think of anyone better equipped to lead this effort in Latin America than SonoTribe.  Oscar and Salvador are incredibly talented instructors and we have every confidence that they will provide a phenomenal experience for those attending their classes.”

Adds Gamas, Sonotribe CEO and Consultant, “Our objective is to expand professional audio education services in México and Latin America and to provide our students with the best information and tools required for their success. Smaart is one of the most powerful solutions in the industry and now under the management of a remarkable company like Rational Acoustics the further development of Smaart software and educational programs is guaranteed.

“SonoTribe and Rational share very similar business philosophies and we are sure that this will be a successful and strategic business partnership to support regional requirements of the Latino market.”

After an inaugural Mexico City Smaart Class in July, 2009, SonoTribe is now actively scheduling classes in other locations in Latin America throughout the fall and winter. 

The next Spanish language classes will be in Bogota, Columbia on September 7-9 and in Caracas, Venezuela on September 14-16.  Interested attendees can contact SonoTribe directly at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for information on attending a class.

Rational Acoustics Website

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Friday, August 21, 2009

Meyer Sound To Host Audio Seminars In Mexico, U.S., Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, & Netherlands

Seminars will cover core audio principles encompassing sound system design and alignment, line array theory, equalization, delay, and acoustical prediction

Meyer Sound has announced its international education schedule for August to October 2009, with seminars to be held in Mexico City; Toronto; Los Angeles; Montabaur, Germany; Seville and Madrid, Spain; Duivendrecht, Netherlands; and Osimo Stazione, Italy.

Some seminars will be taught in the local languages, including Spanish and German, and others will be interpreted in real time by qualified translators. 

The upcoming seminars will cover core audio principles encompassing sound system design and alignment, line array theory, equalization, delay, and acoustical prediction with MAPP Online Pro.

Other courses explore system measurement and optimization, FFT analysis, filters and phase relationships at an advanced level with practical reference to the use of Meyer Sound’s SIM 3 audio analyzer.

Led by an instructor force of active sound reinforcement specialists, similar sessions were hosted in recent months in Nigeria, Lithuania, France, Spain, Chile, Australia, Hong Kong, and the U.S..

Large groups of industry professionals and students took advantage of the opportunity to further their understanding of audio theory and engage in an open forum discussing the challenges and solutions in touring and other live event applications.

“Meyer Sound seminars can bring even the inexperienced users up to speed on the most important subjects in audio,” says Arturas Krasauskas, an attendee of the Line Array Design and Application seminar in Lithuania.

“My staff is now doing a better job at system design and alignment. In the long run, I think these seminars put us in a better position to achieve customer satisfaction and improve our business. It is also a great way to familiarize with Meyer systems and really hear how good properly tuned systems can sound.”

Since its first seminar in 1984, Meyer Sound has expanded the scale of its education program, including a growing international instructor base, and actively ventures new ways to meet the increasing demand for high-level training in sound reinforcement.

In addition to the mentioned curriculum, the program includes courses on audio show control with Matrix3 and the popular Mixing Workshop by veteran audio engineer Buford Jones, as well as the recently debuted Practical Training: Methods and Applications, a new seminar on the techniques to set up systems quickly and efficiently.

Meyer Sound also partners with universities and industry organizations in offering training and scholarship opportunities in conjunction with institutions such as Spain’s ESAMA.

“The international success of our program tells us that members of the audio community appreciate the importance in continuing to hone their skills and knowledge of the precision tools available to them,” says Gavin Canaan, education programs manager at Meyer Sound.

“And since the emphasis of our seminars is on science, not on marketing, and on the real world outside the classroom, we believe we are providing the industry with valuable professional development that our participants can apply in their day-to-day work.”

To find out more about Meyer Sound’s education program and register for an upcoming seminar, go to http://www.meyersound.com/education/

Meyer Sound Website

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

Cakewalk Announces the 2009 SONAR V-Studio Summer Tour

Attendees can also pre-register to win a $100 gift certificate to the retailer hosting the event

Cakewalk has announce its latest clinic tour during which the company will be exhibiting its new digital music production system, the SONAR V-Studio 100 and, in some locations, the SONAR V-Studio 700.

These events will be held at retailers across the United States — including Best Buy and Guitar Center — and attendees can pre-register to win a $100 gift certificate to the retailer hosting the event.

The cornerstone of the tour is the SONAR V-Studio 100, which combines a powerful Audio/MIDI interface, a control surface, a digital mixer, and an SD WAVE recorder.

Compact and portable, the VS-100 is great for laying down tracks or capturing an idea on the road. VS-100 works with both Mac and PC and all major DAWs.

The SONAR V-Studio 700 is the head of the V-Studio product-line and will be making appearances at various stops on the tour. Matching SONAR 8 Producer with the VS-700 Console, the V-Studio 700 offers an outstanding solution for music production through a complete offering of finely-tuned and tightly-controlled hardware and software.

The VS-700 also includes the VS-700R I/O, the Roland Fantom VS synth and Cakewalk’s award-winning instruments, Rapture and Dimension Pro.

Tour dates announced to this point:

Thursday, August 27, 2009
Pro Sound
4593 Mission Gorge Pl.
San Diego, CA
(619) 583-7851
Time: 7 - 9 pm

Thursday, September 3, 2009
Best Buy Tukwila (Store 447)
17364 Southcenter Pkwy
Tukwila, WA
206-574-4617

Thursday, September 10, 2009
Performance Audio
2456 S. West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT
Time: 7 - 9 pm

Thursday, September 17, 2009
Best Buy Dublin (Store 134)
4820 Dublin Blvd
Dublin, CA
925-829-7041

Thursday, September 24, 2009
Best Buy Westminster (Store 209)
9369 Sheridan Blvd
Westminster, CO
303-426-4434

Saturday, September 26, 2009
Big Dude’s Music City
3817 Broadway
Kansas City, MO
Time: 11 am - 1 pm

To register and for more information, including new tour date announcements, go to http://www.cakewalk.com/Events/tour.asp

Cakewalk Website

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“The Complete Front of House Engineer” Seminars and Workshops Slated For September

Learn advanced live sound techniques from legendary engineer Robert Scovill; five days of classes and workshops beginning September 14 in Missouri

The acclaimed seminar series “The Complete Front of House Engineer” is back for 2009, scheduled to be presented in partnership with Church On The Rock in St. Peters, Missouri, beginning September 14, 2009.

The Complete FOH Engineer seminars were formed in 2000 by 6-time TEC Award winning engineer Robert Scovill, and since that time, he has developed the series into a tour de force of workshops aimed at engineers and mixers who enter with a wide breadth of experience looking to elevate their skill sets in live sound. 

“My agenda is to expose sound reinforcement pros and semi-pros alike to professional concepts and techniques that they can employ on today’s technology in order for them to develop a “method” for attaining the results they desire in their day to day work,” Scoville explains. “Be it for touring, night clubs, pro AV work or houses of worship, the seminars are strongly rooted in audio fundamentals with an emphasis on understanding the “why” rather than just the “how” to do a given task.”

“I don’t want to be in the business of building ‘paint by numbers’ engineers,” he continues. “I would much rather have them walk away from these seminars with the ability and the desire to analyze a problem and then creatively and correctly solve it, rather than simply applying a technique just because someone else did it at some point in the past.

“Clearly, the class hits a ‘sweet spot’ between application of technology, artistic expression, and the integration of both. The comments we get from attendees and the results they see in their career trajectory speak for themselves and are the best affirmation of our approach that we could ever want.”

.

This year’s workshops will be held at Church On The Rock in St. Peters, Missouri. The choice of this host venue is far from random as the head audio engineer for this facility is Eric Chancey, an engineer who attended the very first Complete FOH Engineer workshops in 2000.

“I’ve had the privilege of attending The Complete FOH Engineer three times over the years and frankly I’ve learned something new each time,” Chancey states. “In the classes, I was made aware of concepts and techniques that have completely changed the way I work and it has had a direct impact on my success, especially here at Church On The Rock. It’s really refreshing to see someone with Robert’s background who understands the church dynamic so well.

“It’s evident from day one that Robert is as fluent in the house of worship world as he is in traditional concert sound and it’s a huge asset for the attendees,” Chancey adds. He can move effortlessly between those worlds and demonstrate where they converge and diverge. That kind of insight is something you won’t often see in professional audio.”

The five day event will offer the following classes and seminars:
—September 14, Digidesign VENUE Training
—September 15, Introduction to FFT Analysis
—September 16 - 18,  The Complete FOH Engineer Seminar

The Complete FOH Engineer schedule (Sept 16-18):
—Day one, dedicated to PA systems management and operation
—Day two, dedicated to console management and processing concepts
—Day three, dedicated to mixing and processing techniques and live recording

Attendees should enroll with basic knowledge of console and sound system operation and have some experience using outboard devices such as equalizers, compressors, gates, and other analog and digital processing equipment.

Registration is now open, and there are early-bird as well as group discounts along with discounts for bundling two or more of the classes and seminars together.

Transportation from select hotels and catering is provided for the duration of the events. Seating is limited.

For more information, go to www.proaudioseminars.com

The Complete FOH Engineer/Pro Audio Seminars Website

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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

127th AES Convention Names Peabody Winning Broadcaster Bill McGlaughlin As Keynote Speaker

McGlaughlin to offer observations on talent/engineer symbiosis

Peabody Award-winning radio personality William “Bill” McGlaughlin has been named Keynote Speaker for the upcoming 127th AES Convention.

The long-time host and music director of American Public Media’s popular Saint Paul Sunday public radio program McGlaughlin is a highly regarded broadcaster, educator, composer and conductor.

In making the announcement, Convention Chair Agnieszka Roginska remarked, “While the focus of our conventions are largely technical in nature, we are delighted to provide our attendees with an opportunity to enjoy a discourse by a broadcaster celebrated for his performance behind the mic rather than behind the control room window.”

Entitled Talent Doesn’t Push Buttons, Mr. McGlaughlin’s address will consider the relationship between the on-air talent and the audio engineers who insure the high-quality sound and technical support that contribute to a program’s long-term success.

In 2003 McGlaughlin began hosting Exploring Music a WFMT daily radio program showcasing great works of classical music. Every week the widely popular show explores a single classical music theme in hour-long daily episodes. 

McGlaughlin’s unique brand of information-laced enthusiasm has drawn praise for instilling a sense of classical music appreciation within an audience that has grown to over 500,000 listeners.

Beyond his career as a broadcaster and music educator, he is an accomplished orchestral musician, classical composer and conductor.

In 2004 Exploring Music garnered McGlaughlin, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Fine Arts Radio International.  He has co-hosted the nationally syndicated radio series Center Stage from Wolf Trap since its inception in 1999, and since 2007 has hosted the nationally syndicated Concerts from the Library of Congress radio series.

Among his many awards and honors are five ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming; the 1990 Deems Taylor Award (ASCAP) for Saint Paul Sunday; a 1990 Honorary Doctorate from Westminster College; and a 1995 Peabody Award for Saint Paul Sunday.

The 127th AES Convention will be held Oct. 9 – 12 at New York’s Javits Center.

AES Website

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Friday, August 14, 2009

Worship Facilities Conference & Expo Announces Keynote Presenters for WFX Charlotte in October

Five church visionaries to deliver uplifting presentations

Worship Facilities Conference & Expo (WFX) has announced its lineup of dynamic keynote presentations for WFX Charlotte, scheduled to take place October 27-30, 2009 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

WFX is the leading event where church leadership teams connect with tools and technology to create meaningful places and powerful worship experiences.

WFX attendees will gain insight from five uplifting keynotes delivered by church visionaries from around the country who will share their inspiring experiences, sponsored by Charlotte-based Audio Ethics.

This year’s keynote presenters include:

* Rick Bezet, Senior Pastor of New Life Church, Arkansas
Wednesday, October 28 4:30pm - 5:15pm
Bezet moved from Louisiana to Arkansas in 2001 to launch a church that would reach the un-churched and “de-churched” of the area. He opened the doors of New Life Church to over 500 people in the first service alone. Today New Life Church features three campuses, including eight weekend services, and averages 4,000 in attendance.

* Claude Alexander, Bishop, The Park Ministries, Charlotte, North Carolina
Thursday, October 29 10:45am - 11:30am
As senior pastor of The Park Ministries since 1990, Alexander has overseen the 96-year-old congregation grow from fewer than 500 members to more than 8,000. His sermons are broadcast on Charlotte’s MYTV 12 and streamed over the web on StreamingFaith.com to reach a potential audience of more than two million viewers each week. Alexander is ranked among the 75 most influential persons in Charlotte by Charlotte magazine.

* Dino Rizzo, Pastor of Healing Place Church, Louisiana
Thursday, October 29 10:00am -10:45am
Rizzo is the founding pastor of Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. HPC has been named one of America’s Top 25 Most Innovative Churches and includes over 7,200 people in 11 campuses and 18 weekend services. Rizzo’s book, SERVOLUTION, exposes his passion to see believers join together in a revolution of serving others.

* Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor of National Community Church, Washington, D.C.
Friday, October 30 10:45am -11:30am
Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church, recognized by Outreach Magazine as one of the Most Innovative and Most Influential Churches in America in 2008. With nine services in five locations, NCC is focused on reaching emerging generations and meets in movie theaters at metro shops throughout the DC area. Batterson also authored the best-selling book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day.

* Chris Hodges, Senior Pastor of Church of the Highlands, Alabama
Friday, October 30 10:00am -10:45am
Hodges is known for his relevant teaching style and passion as founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands. Under his leadership, Church of the Highlands offers ten worship services each weekend to 12,000 members at four different locations in Alabama. Hodges also co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) in 2001, which has planted over 75 churches across the United States.

Now in its fifth year, WFX is hosted by Church Production and Worship Facilities magazines and EH Events. The event brings together over 3,500 church and industry leaders and over 200 exhibitors from around the world to guide facilities and technology investments and opportunities for houses of worship.

In addition to keynote presentations, WFX offers over 60 conference sessions in five tracks, over 200 exhibitors on the expo floor, hands-on and exhibitor offered training sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities.

Access to keynote presentations is included in all registration packages. In order to help churches achieve their ministry goals, WFX will offer exclusive registration packages through September 7. As part of the Sizzling Summer Savings, attendees will be able to save up to $250 on the conference package. Complete information is available online at www.wfxweb.com/registration.

WFX Website

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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Registration Opens For Worship Facilities Conference & Expo (WFX) Charlotte

Pastors, tech directors and facilities teams representing hundreds of churches expected at conference featuring tools and technology for house of worship industry

Worship Facilities Conference & Expo (WFX) has announced registration is now open for WFX Charlotte, scheduled to take place October 27-30, 2009.

Now in its fifth year, WFX is hosted by Church Production and Worship Facilities magazines and EH Events. The event brings together over 3,500 church and industry leaders and over 200 exhibitors from around the world to guide facilities and technology investments and opportunities for houses of worship.

This year’s event will deliver on its theme, “WFX Gets You There,” by offering attendees a newly updated Conference, dynamic keynote presentations, expo floor, networking opportunities, and tours of some of the most successful and innovative churches in the Charlotte area.

Designed for decision-making teams from churches of all sizes, the goal is to deliver exceptional learning opportunities and showcase state-of-the-art products and services designed to help churches achieve their ministry goals.

“The WFX Charlotte program is designed so attendees can research opportunities and options in just three days that would otherwise take them months to achieve independently,” says Brian Blackmore, founding editor of Church Production and Worship Facilities magazines.

“This program offers such a wide-range of tools and information that an entire church staff can benefit from attending. From pastors and church business leaders to technical directors and technical teams to worship space design and operations teams, this conference works for everyone.”

The WFX Conference program offers over 60 sessions (85 percent are new for Charlotte) taught by dozens of new presenters in five distinguished tracks: Designing Building and Upgrading Facilities; Your Facilities: Optimizing Functionality; Tech Essentials: A/V & Lighting Technologies; Church Websites & Social Media; and Professional Development & Team Building.

These sessions, many of which are taught by church leaders and their representatives, will address the needs of small, medium, and large houses of worships. Each track will provide the core education to design, create and manage technology, facilities and growth needs. In addition, attendees will gain firsthand experience through Hands-On Training Sessions.

Attendees will gain even more insight from five uplifting keynotes presented by church visionaries who will share their inspiring experiences, sponsored by Charlotte-based Audio Ethics. This year’s keynote presenters include:
* Rick Bezet, Senior Pastor of New Life Church, Arkansas
* Dino Rizzo, Pastor of Healing Place Church, Louisiana
* Claude Alexander, Bishop of The Park Ministries, North Carolina
* Chris Hodges, Senior Pastor of Church of the Highlands, Alabama
* Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor of National Community Church, Washington, D.C.

The WFX Expo experience has been designed to go beyond the trade show booth. In addition to learning about the latest tools and technologies showcased by over 200 exhibitors on the expo floor attendees will interact directly with new products in Exhibitor Offered Training Sessions, and preview groundbreaking architectural projects in Design Central.

The popular Social Media Lounge will also return to WFX Charlotte to showcase how ministries can benefit from the integration of popular social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook.

Attendees will have an opportunity to see how all the pieces come together in exclusive behind-the-scenes church tours. Elevation Church in Matthews, NC will open its doors to conference attendees to showcase how they have embraced multi-site technology in their newly renovated facility. A second tour will also be offered to highlight how one church best utilizes its facilities.

While WFX Charlotte offers education and training for the entire church team, this year’s event will offer specialized programming for specific team members. The Pastors Program, co-presented by XPastor.org, Church Solutions Group, and Cornerstone Knowledge Network, will help pastors and church leaders learn and develop strategies on how to identify, plan, and achieve ministry and growth opportunities for churches of any size. This programming will also offer the latest research on trends that should steer planning, and help strengthen stewardship of technology and facility investments.

In addition to the Pastors Program, WFX will offer a Tech Director Retreat for those eager to dig deep into technical ministry with like-minded peers. Led by experienced technical directors, this workshop features panel, roundtable, and breakout discussions to help attendees address their most pressing concerns.

In order to help churches achieve their ministry goals, WFX will offer exclusive registration packages through September 7. As part of the Sizzling Summer Savings, attendees will be able to save up to $250 on the Conference package. Complete information is available online at www.wfxweb.com/registration or by calling 800-598-6031.

For exhibiting information, please contact Patrick Shaughnessy at 508-663-1500 x267.

Worship Facilities Conference & Expo (WFX) Website

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Syn-Aud-Con Presenting Digital Seminar In Dallas, September 14-16

This is the only time this class will be presented in 2009

Syn-Aud-Con will be presenting the Syn-Aud-Con Digital Seminar in Dallas, on September 14-16, 2009. 

The seminar is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to digital audio, digital signal processing and networking. This is the only time this class will be presented in 2009.

This class is taught by three instructors - Steve Macatee, Brad Benn, and Pat Brown - each coming from a different background, making this team diverse and highly qualified.

Sample comments from the most recent Syn-Aud-Con Digital Seminar:

“Pat, Steve and Brad make learning fun. Class is well organized and well presented. Great troubleshooting techniques presented during the third day when constructing the local network.”

“I love this type of learning environment because it brings together people with a wide range of specializations and experience. I found the presentation to be well paced and flexible/responsive to the class interests. Great Seminar – learned so much.”

Syn-Aud-Con will be bringing a trailer full of equipment to the seminar, with the instructor team deploying a multimedia approach. Day three presents the opportunity for attendees to construct a local network.

Cost is $900, and registration can be done online here or by calling 800.796.2831.

More Links:
Syn-Aud-Con Digital Seminar Agenda  
http://synaudcon.com/Dallas09.htm” title=“Travel & Seminar Information “target=“_blank”>Travel & Seminar Information

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Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Registration Open For NSCA Electronic Systems Technician (EST) Training Series

Level 1 of the EST Training Series begins September 14 and includes a combination of both online learning and hands-on instruction

Registration is now open for fall classes of the NSCA University Electronic Systems Technician (EST) Training Series, providing convenient and in-depth training.

Training starts September 14 and runs for 38 weeks.

The Electronic Systems Technician (EST) curriculum includes a comprehensive overview of the entire commercial electronic systems industry. Students learn about a variety of systems, applications, national codes and standards while gaining real-life, on-the-job training as well as the ability to:
• Interpret electrical drawings, site plans and more
• Understand the function of each level of open systems interconnections (OSI)
• Set up and use selected cable testers
• Evaluate the performance of copper and optical fiber cable

This training series encompasses audio/visual systems to security and nurse call applications while educating students on the complete project from technical components to project management. 

Companies that lack an in-house training department will benefit from NSCA’s EST Training Series. The program provides a complete learning experience encompassing three years of training related to the entire commercial electronic systems industry.

Qualified, educated installers and technicians guarantee a job well done the first time, every time, improving customer satisfaction and increasing the likelihood of customer referrals.

While students learn new features about systems, they also say the EST Training Series provides them with new skills in systems they have been working with for years.

This type of continuing education can keep employees knowledgeable and at the top of their game regardless of whether they have two or 20 years of experience.

“With the great scope of material covered in the EST training series, students have found the flexible training schedule is a great match to their demanding work schedule – which can also be applied to the requirements of the EST program,” said Norah Hammond, NSCA senior director of professional development.

Level 1 of the EST Training Series begins September 14 and includes a combination of both online learning and hands-on instruction. The online classroom environment incorporates popular methods of learning and communicating. This allows students to interact and learn from peers working on a multitude of systems and applications.

Registration fees start at $695 for NSCA members and $995 for non-members.

Endorsed by many of the industry’s leading manufacturers, the EST Training Series helps ensure that customers have committed and educated installers and technicians working on their projects. For more information on the EST Training Series or to register, visit www.nsca.org/esttraining

NSCA Website

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