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Online viewers of Shawnigan’s Chapel services may have noticed improvements to the livestream, and it’s definitely not in their imaginations.
The AV program has benefitted from some new technology – provided by C.A.S.E. (Communications, Arts, Sciences and Entrepreneurship) – which has upgraded the sound and image quality of the livestreams and given students access to even more state-of-the-art equipment to train on.
The recent Chapel upgrades include a new 4K video switcher, a dedicated hard-wired monitoring computer, and a Yamaha TF5 digital sound mixer with a Dante card.
“The mixer has improved the Chapel’s sound and gives students experience with digital audio controls,” said Mr. Ben Karegeya, the School’s AV coordinator and Recording Arts 360 (co-curricular arts and activities) instructor. “The video switcher allows them to bring different camera views into the broadcast, while the monitoring computer helps us check the stream throughout the service. Together, these upgrades improve our productions and give students access to equipment and workflows they can build on beyond Shawnigan.”
consistency of Chapel services provides an excellent environment for students to learn how to use the technology, Mr. Karegeya explained.
“The Chapel is a particularly valuable learning space because students can develop their skills through regular services,” he said. “They learn how to follow the flow of a live event, anticipate what is coming next and work together to capture it clearly for viewers. Livestreaming also helps families and members of our wider community stay connected to School life when they cannot attend in person.”
Students come to the AV program from a range of backgrounds. Some, like Grade 10 student Jude B., are members of the Recording Arts 360, while others, like Grade 11 student Mingyo K., are volunteering their time. In Chapel, their duties range from setting up student performances to checking sound levels and adding insets screens into the livestream. They take pride in the work they do, and are thrilled to have the new equipment to work with.
“It makes the quality of the sound or the livestream better for students when they’re speaking or performing in Chapel,” said Mingyo, noting that some students approached her recently to ask if there was new equipment in Chapel.
Shawnigan’s AV program goes beyond Chapel, and gives students hands-on experience in the technical and creative work behind School events. They learn how to operate cameras, manage sound, frame shots, switch between camera angles and help deliver livestreams. They also learn the preparation involved, including setting up equipment, checking connections, testing audio and making sure everything is ready before an event begins. Students support sports and other School events, with opportunities to apply their skills in different settings.
“The learning goes well beyond operating equipment,” Mr. Karegeya said. “Students develop teamwork, communication, attention to detail and the ability to solve problems under pressure. In a live production, everyone has a responsibility, and students learn how their individual work contributes to the whole team’s success. As their confidence grows, they can take on more responsibility and help guide newer students.
“These experiences can introduce students to future opportunities in broadcasting, film, audio engineering, event production and digital media. Even for those who choose a different path, the confidence, leadership and practical problem-solving skills they gain will be valuable. The program connects with C.A.S.E.’s emphasis on experiential learning by giving students meaningful work, room to explore their interests and opportunities to contribute to the School community.”
Shawnigan would like to acknowledge the support of all donors to C.A.S.E. whose contributions make applied arts and technology focused learning a reality for our students and teachers. The C.A.S.E. (Communications, Arts, Sciences and Entrepreneurship) program is a Shawnigan differentiator that offers a dynamic, hands-on learning environment to inspire, train and prepare students for careers in applied arts and technology.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 12 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
