Brindis has adapted the course over the four years he's been at Lake Havasu High School with programme numbers steadily increasing from the initial 45 in his first year. "The programme used to be called Audio/Video; there was pretty much no audio whatsoever." That has certainly changed, with 160 students in regular contact with the desk today, learning basic recording techniques, tracking, mixing, signal flow and patching effects, phasing, acoustic design and ProTools. "Now with the new studio addition I expect the numbers to go even higher!" says Brindis, with confidence.
"Students learn audio production on the Audient console," he explains. "It's good for teaching as it is physically large enough to get more than a few kids on it at one time. I'm very impressed with the ease of use for instruction, and the EQ and the mic pres sound beautiful as well. I also like the assignment section, having both long and short throw faders, and I very much like the on board stereo compressor on the Master Bus.
"Of course, build quality and dependability are equally important," he continues. "The desk seems rugged not flimsy, easy on the eyes with light colours, and there is room enough on the real estate to get in on and 'work' the different faders, knobs and buttons."
With 2220 students, Lake Havasu High School is located on the shores of the Colorado River, along with the original London Bridge, relocated in the late 1960s. "I guess you could say we have some English ties as a result of the bridge," says Brindis.
(Jim Evans)
