DSC students to demo high-tech outdoor recording system

Live performance, recording during Nov. 29 bandshell concert

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 24, 2012) - Daytona State College’s music production and recording technology program students will take their classes on the road to produce and record a live performance of the program’s Contemporary Music Ensemble with a state-of-the-art touring sound system made especially for live outdoor concerts.

The ensemble performance and maiden voyage of the new system will take place on Thursday, Nov. 29, at the Daytona Beach Bandshell. Sound reinforcement students will spend the early part of the day setting up and testing the equipment in preparation for a live recording of the ensemble performance, which begins at 4 p.m. The show is free and open to the public.

“Just beyond the stage is the ice skating rink that is part of Daytona’s Holidays on the Beach event,” said Daytona State’s Music Production Technology Chair Jake Niceley. “So, here we’re going to have ice skating, the beach and live music. How cool is that?”

Purchase of the new sound equipment was made possible through a $64,000 Carl D. Perkins grant. “This system provides our students a whole new layer of technical know-how that will prove to be valuable as they venture out into careers upon graduation,” Niceley said.

The set-up, staging and performance will involve most students enrolled in Daytona State’s two-year Music Production Technology and one-year Audio Recording Technology programs, which include those students who will perform in up to five bands that make up the Contemporary Music Ensemble.

“That’s one of the unique things about our program,” said Niceley. “We require that students also learn music fundamentals and participate in an ensemble performance each year. By having everyone participate either as a technician or a performer, sharing roles, it provides them a more well-rounded perspective and enhanced learning experience.”

The ensemble will be supervised by Niceley, an internationally-known Nashville recording engineer prior to joining Daytona State in 2008 to launch the Music Production Technology program, and Instructor Brian Bassett, a former member of the iconic 1970s group Wild Cherry, southern rockers Molly Hatchet and gritty blues band Foghat. Instructor Daniel Mixer, who also previously enjoyed a successful career as a Nashville recording studio designer and engineer, will supervise students in the staging and sound set-up.

For more information about the music production program or the Nov. 29 performance, call Niceley, (386) 226-1914, nicelej@DaytonaState.edu.

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