Tuesday 18 February 2014

Tour the O2 Academy music venue in Bristol


Music Technology students from Strode College visited the O2 Academy in Bristol on Monday 3rd Feb for a technical tour of the venue. The sound and lighting manager Matt Royston-Bishop took the group backstage, on stage and behind the main mixing console. He explained the features of the digital desks and how the sound is sent all around the venue from the stage. This is part of a wider focus on building awareness and creating links in the local music industry. Music tutor Adrian Smith commented “ We have now established a link with the O2 in Bristol and built this visit into the live sound and technical stage management areas of the course.” 


Over the years a number of successful students have gained work in the live sound industry. Dave Perry works at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil, Ollie Chamberlain works for Vortex Events Ltd and Bruce MacDonald who is currently touring the UK as sound engineer for an up and coming metal band. He is also studying for a Foundation Degree in Live Sound down in Plymouth. 

Sofie Hunter and Peter Waite are current students who have already gained work experience in live sound while studying the BTEC in Music Technology. They are both doing work experience with local companies and venues including Strode Theatre.