From classroom to concert stage

Fishers students gain real-world audio production experience

Submitted by Hamilton Southeastern Schools

Photo provided by HSE Schools

When audiences gather this summer at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater for Fishers’ Free Tuesdays concert series, many may not realize the sound behind the performances is being managed by local high school students.

Through a new partnership between Hamilton Southeastern Schools and Fishers Parks, students in Fishers High School’s Music and Sound Production class are serving as the live audio team for the city’s annual summer concert series. The partnership connects classroom learning with real-world application, allowing students to apply technical skills in a professional setting while earning up to 54 hours of work-based learning throughout the nine-week concert series.

“This partnership gives students an opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience the demands and rewards of live event production,” said Brandon Cloud, Director of Career and Technical Education for Hamilton Southeastern Schools. “They’re learning how to problem-solve in real time, collaborate as a team and deliver a professional experience for thousands of community members. Those are skills that can’t be replicated in a traditional classroom setting.”

Under the guidance of Fishers High School teacher Ray Masterson, students spent the spring semester preparing for the opportunity through coursework focused on audio production, broadcasting and event operations. The program already provides students opportunities to produce podcasts, school news broadcasts, sports productions, and other multimedia content throughout the district.

Photo provided by HSE Schools

As part of this unique summer partnership, students are responsible for a variety of professional audio production tasks, including operating front-of-house sound systems, managing stage production, mixing live audio, troubleshooting equipment, and supporting performers throughout each event.

Fishers Parks staff worked alongside students throughout the planning process, helping prepare them for the technical and operational demands of professional audio production. The partnership has also resulted in additional equipment investments that will benefit the school’s sound production program beyond the summer concert season.

“We’re excited to create meaningful opportunities that help students explore careers in an industry that can be difficult to break into,” Fishers Parks Director Marissa Deckert said. “Students are gaining valuable experience while contributing to an event that brings our community together. It’s a great example of what can happen when schools and local government work together.”

The first concert of the season took place June 2, with students successfully managing audio production for the event while troubleshooting challenges and making real-time adjustments throughout the evening. Participating students include Ayden Austin, Adam Jacobs, Riley Evans, Gabe Mason, Bowen Dilks-Hicks, Lucas Peed, Jude Little and Jacqueline Reilly.

The students will continue supporting Fishers’ Free Tuesdays concert series throughout June and July, gaining experience at eight additional performances while helping deliver live entertainment to thousands of community members. The series continues each Tuesday evening at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater through July 28.

Photo provided by HSE Schools