On a typical event day, I move quite a bit. I’d say I’m on my feet about 75% of the time and possibly lifting up to 50 lbs throughout the day. Pending on the event setup, I will assist the production company with prepping and loading of all equipment on the truck to be transported to the venue. Once at the venue, I assist in setup, mostly on the technical and process flow side such as prepping the sound boards, computers, signal flow of speakers, and oversee placement of all gear on and off stage. Once setup is complete, I work with the artists in getting them sound checked. Once sound check is complete, I am able to take a break before show time. No matter what type of event you are engineering, the number one goal is to start on time so breaks are not always available when running against the clock. Show time is where the magic happens and is also my favorite part of the event. I take joy in knowing the audience is experiencing my personal touch on the sound that makes the performance enjoyable. Once the show ends, I assist with break down and thank the artist’s team for a great show.
What advice do you have for someone wanting to become an audio engineer?
Becoming an audio engineer is not for the faint at heart, flighty career hopper, or person who loves their weekends off. In fact, weekends are where the action is at. A love for music and a fast-paced environment is ideal for aspiring live engineers. Also, keep in mind that an engineer is always learning. There is always a new software, a new board, a new sound testing mechanism, and more that we must be ready to learn or adopt upon request of the client. If you have a true passion for music and you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, then audio engineering just might be for you.
What is a favorite book or movie of yours?
Although I love to read, the most inspiration I have gathered in becoming an engineer are my memories as a child at live events. I grew up in a very modest household where my parent’s funds were limited. However, they loved to take my brother and I out in the town to family festivals or creative arts events and experience creative life. My parents supported our passions for music and arts. I remember gazing at the performers, the crew behind stage, all of the hands it took to put this amazing masterpiece together and thinking, I’d like to do that someday.
Does your company offer internships?
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, AURA Systems is currently not offering internships as events are limited for the remainder of 2020. However, we do intend to implement an internship in Spring of 2021.
