When Al-Saadi and Kingfisher perform at Milliken Auditorium on April 13, they will be supported by Northwestern Michigan College students who are involved in every aspect of the concert experience.
Raising the Stakes: The highly acclaimed artist Laith Al-Saadi will headline the April concert. (Photo/Steve Baran)
Is a concert merely a concert, or is it also a learning opportunity?
The upcoming performance on April 13 at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City offers both experiences. Taking place at Milliken Auditorium at the Dennos Museum Center, the event will showcase Laith Al-Saadi, a finalist from NBC’s “The Voice,” with indie band Kingfisher opening the show.
While attendees can enjoy the music, this event doubles as a practical exercise for students enrolled in the audio tech program at Northwestern Michigan College.
These students are responsible for all aspects of organizing the concert, from logistical preparations such as securing the venue, booking the talent, arranging accommodations and meals, and handling promotional activities, to executing tasks like setting up the venue, managing sound and lighting, filming the event, and addressing any issues that may arise.
Meet the Audio Techs: Ruby Bardenhagen and Will Lewellen. (Courtesy Photo)
Their duties also include troubleshooting to ensure seamless operations. To prepare adequately, the students are conducting a rehearsal concert the week before the main event, as shared by Will Lewellen, one of the participants.
Ruby Bardenhagen explains that the unique hands-on approach of the program at NMC was a key factor in her decision to enroll. She values the smaller class sizes and practical learning opportunities offered by the program.
Similarly, Lewellen appreciates the diverse experiences and valuable skills he has gained through the program. The group has previously worked on live sound projects at various venues, including the Music House in Acme, which features a more intimate setting compared to the larger Milliken Auditorium.
Bardenhagen emphasizes the importance of adapting to different environments and challenges, highlighting the learning opportunities presented by working in diverse settings such as Milliken Auditorium.
Collaborating on a Real-World Project
Kaysen Chown, a Traverse City native and member of Ann Arbor’s music scene, shares that her father, David, serves as one of the audio tech instructors at NMC. She mentions previous collaborations between NMC students and her band, emphasizing the practical experience gained through such projects.
Chown, a recent graduate from the University of Michigan’s Sound Engineering program, acknowledges the valuable industry experience provided by NMC’s hands-on approach, which she found lacking in her own academic journey.
Featured Opener: Kingfisher (Courtesy Photo)
Describing her band’s music as indie folk-rock with a touch of post-rock, Chown highlights the eclectic influences and diverse backgrounds of the band members. She underlines the band’s versatility, incorporating elements of jazz and classical music into their sound.
Excited about the opportunity to perform at Milliken Auditorium alongside Al-Saadi, Chown expresses gratitude for the chance to showcase their music in a professional setting. She emphasizes the collaborative nature of live performances, where every team member plays a crucial role in achieving a successful show.
Bardenhagen and Lewellen echo the sentiment of teamwork and shared goals in the music industry, emphasizing the significance of their contributions to the overall production.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards funding student scholarships at NMC, making the event a meaningful initiative to support education. Tickets for the April 13 show at 7 p.m. are priced at 25 for general admission and 10 for NMC students. For ticket purchases and additional details, click here.
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