Students at Lee High School and the Academy for Academics and Arts in Huntsville now have access to professional-style audio engineering studios designed to build career-ready skills in sound production and digital media.
The two schools recently celebrated the new facilities with ribbon-cutting ceremonies alongside Birmingham-based Kingmaker Productions, which designed and built the studios.
New studios bring professional recording tools to students
The studios feature recording booths and equipment that can accommodate up to 16 different instruments for individual track recording, according to Marcus King, CEO of Kingmaker Productions.
The facilities give students hands-on experience with tools used in professional production environments, allowing them to explore the technical side of music and recorded sound while still in school.
King said students can develop skills that may prepare them for opportunities at news stations and other workplaces that require audio mixing and production experience.
Audio engineering opens pathways to future careers
Students can explore several fields through the new facilities, including audio engineering, recording production, broadcast audio, live sound and digital media.
Wendy Crear, chief operating officer of Kingmaker Productions, said the studios are intended to connect students’ middle and high school experiences with future education and career opportunities, including four-year college programs.
The project also expands workforce-focused learning at both schools, giving students practical experience in a technical field that combines creativity and engineering.
Student feedback helps shape school programs
According to Crear, Huntsville school leaders consulted students about their interests and used their feedback to help shape the studios and related programs.
She said involving students in the planning process can increase their enthusiasm for participating in classes that reflect their goals.
The studios add another option for students interested in exploring careers behind the scenes of music, broadcasting and other media production. By providing access to professional-style equipment on campus, the schools aim to help students build practical skills before graduation.
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