Jack, Jane-Claire Seize Exceptional Learning Opportunities at Fisher Center
Seniors Jack Williamson and Jane-Claire Radde chose to study at Belmont because of the University’s reputation for its top-notch audio engineering technology (AET) program, set against the backdrop of vibrant Music City and the nearby opportunities available within the industry.
The most hands-on learning experience these two have found during their time in Nashville thus far, has been on campus – both in the standard classroom and through their hands-on work for a vast array of shows in the University’s “biggest classroom” -- The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
Initially employed by the School of Music (SOM) audio crew, Jack and Jane-Claire seized the opportunity for a new gig when the Fisher Center expanded its student crew during their junior year. Approximately 30 to 40 students now work on daily operations or join crews for shows, depending on their expertise and the event's profile.
The two beam with pride knowing they’ll forever be included in the venue’s “first crew” photo that hangs backstage.
“I think extracurriculars on campus really shine at Belmont,” said Jane-Claire, who also gets to work on Belmont’s Showcase Series. “People care a lot about students at Belmont studying audio engineering, getting our hands on high-quality gear and understanding how everything works before we go out into the real world. It’s really what sets our programs apart.”
Delving into the intricacies of their roles at Fisher Center, Jack and Jane-Claire shared insights into their day-to-day responsibilities, often taking on stage management for high-profile events, such as the Fisher Center‘s recent hosting of "America Salutes You" or CMT’s “Giants.” They emphasized that the quality of the gear available at the Fisher Center is “state of the art” and gushed about how personal and supportive the staff are at the venue.
The jobs require meticulous preparation, from studying input lists and stage plots to configuring consoles and coordinating with clients. Additionally, they are responsible for ensuring the client receives their preferred monitors and running sound checks so clients are comfortable with their audio levels.
Their ability to perform well on the job stems from the hands-on practice they get in class, as well as guidance from knowledgeable professors.
Jack, absorbing all he can from the systems class with AET Instructor Scott Munsell this spring, highlighted the lessons learned in Sound Enforcement II (also taught by Munsell), where students have labs that teach them how to send the monitor mix on a digital console and plug it all in using the same general theory needed at the Fisher Center.
"There hasn't been an aspect of the job that I haven't been taught in class beforehand,” Jack noted. “Particularly for what we do in Fisher Center, which is live sound oriented and on a much bigger scale, we take from the theory and application we have had in class."
Jane-Claire said she found the asynchronous radio frequency (RF) class with AET Instructor Ben Poff immensely valuable, especially when given the ability to coordinate wireless mics for events like Christmas at Belmont.
“On a professional scale, we have had the opportunity to work some pretty hard shows while we are still students,” said Jane-Claire. “To have 400 students on stage with over 160 microphone inputs is something that would impress even the most professional technicians. Working on a show of that scale has been such a memorable experience.”
After that experience with Christmas at Belmont, Jane-Claire attended an RF training from one of the warehouses she freelances for, covering wireless microphones and in-ear monitors, etc. She was happy to see the same topics covered that she had already learned and implemented at Belmont.
Reflecting on their time at the Fisher Center, Jack and Jane-Claire underscore the importance of repetition and the opportunity to learn by doing, especially in this field. “The Fisher Center gives you plenty of opportunities to just do it,” said Jane-Claire. “They always say this tagline, ‘do the thing,’ and we really do have so many chances to ‘do the thing.’”
More challenging shows, such as "Requiem for Colour," stand out as moments of accomplishment, affirming their growth and readiness for the professional world.
Jack noted, “It helps us just learn to adapt and change because there are a lot of times we have to troubleshoot on the spot and figure out why things aren’t working, then figure out a workaround. I’ve definitely grown in that aspect of learning to adapt in tough situations.”
Approaching graduation, both express confidence in the foundation they've built at the Fisher Center. Jack envisions a career in live sound, while Jane-Claire, inspired by her experiences, is interested in working in touring.
Their advice for aspiring AET students could be summed up: Get involved on campus and take every gig you can get.
“Take every opportunity that lands in your lap,” Jane-Claire emphasized. “There's not a single show I've ever worked for where I didn't learn something. Keep doing it. If you're good at it, it doesn't take long for people to notice."