Margaret River High School students ‘talk tech’

Margaret River Senior High School students have been given the opportunity to participate in one on one audio lessons from the technical team at the Margaret River HEART.

The initiative involves a ‘class onstage’ and forms part of the Certificate III in Events course run at the high school, with 17 Year 11 and 12 students completing practical components of the Audio Unit of Competency.

Margaret River HEART Technical Coordinator Phil Bebb said many students were eager and willing to jump at the chance to start pushing buttons. 

“Being on stage may garner applause, but it’s what happens behind the scenes that truly creates magic in there”, Mr Bebb explained.

“We introduced the students to the many forms of stage craft, including stage management, lighting and sound.

“We helped them ‘talk tech’ with an introduction to the language surrounding audio terminology, functionality of components, design, set up and the operation of a basic sound system.

“It was an opportunity for the students to learn about during their studies within this unit as part of their studies in performing arts. “

The class involved HEART technicians delivering an explanation of the highly sophisticated sound equipment on the stage, with practical demonstrations and some ‘hands on’ time.

Margaret River Senior High School teacher Amanda Gradison said the classes have been an excellent experience for the 64 participating students.

“It’s wonderful to have a professional venue like the HEART and for our students to have first-hand interactions with this type of equipment”, she said.

“It gives them an appreciation of what goes on behind the scenes at a live performance, and a taste of what it might be like to work in the events industry.”