Newbury College Music Technology students took an exciting opportunity to The Corn Exchange on Thursday 17th March. The visit was organised as part of their studies and gave them the chance to see what happens behind the scenes at a major regional theatre.
The visit was led by Andy Morris, the sound lead at The Corn Exchange, and enabled students to learn more about the technical side of the theatre. After an initial discussion on the general operation of the theatre, and its role as a receiving house, the students were taken on a tour of some of the key facilities.
The backstage technical area was of particular interest as it contained a wide selection of microphones, amplifiers, speakers and sound equipment. Andy discussed how each piece of equipment was used at the theatre, giving the students some useful workplace information to support their studies. The visit ended with a practical session in the main auditorium. Andy showed the students how the main digital mixing console work and then worked with them in groups to set-up up and balance some microphones around the theatre's Steinway grand piano.
Matt Foster, Music Technology lecturer at Newbury College said, The mix of theoretical and practical input during the visit was great and really developed on the topics we have already covered in class. After visiting a recording studio in the first term, this visit gave students the chance to learn that theatre sound is another possible career choice for them once they have completed their studies.