About
AV Production Facility
The AV Production Facility is a key component of Shawnigan's C.A.S.E. (Communication, Arts, Sciences and Entrepreneurship) program, and was born out of the expansive vision and generous support of Carl Bradley '78 (Groves'), through The Bradley Family Foundation. As a student, Carl’s passion for music was ignited under the guidance of beloved music teacher Lance Bean, setting him on a path into the music recording industry. That creative spark remained with him even as he transitioned into a highly successful entrepreneurial career – a journey that deepened his appreciation for innovation and creativity and ultimately inspired him to give back to the School. Eventually, in conversations with Headmaster Robertson and fellow board members, the C.A.S.E. program was born.
Carl connected with Steve Smith, a Grammy-awarded veteran of the music industry, to commute from Seattle to Shawnigan to set up the studio and teach staff and students how to use it.
In 2015, the AV Production Facility was built into the already existing music building (Mabel Lonsdale Music Centre). Extensive soundproofing was installed, and walls are covered with elegant cherry wood diffusers to enhance the acoustics. The donor insisted on nothing less than industry-standard equipment, including a powerful monitor system and professional microphones. Students are trained on the industry-recognized Avid S6 console with Pro Tools software. They may work with both classical and contemporary musicians as part of curricular and/or co-curricular programming.
The studio is entirely Ethernet-based, which means that recordings can be done remotely anywhere there is an Ethernet connection. One of the first areas to use this was in livestreaming from the Chapel, made possible by the Shawnigan Parents Association and a matching donation from The Bradley Family Foundation. Since then, livestreaming has extended to sports and other events.
Today, the AV Production Facility remains an integral part of Shawnigan’s creative ecosystem under the continued guidance of Steve Smith. His expertise not only helps shape the direction of the C.A.S.E. program but also fosters the next generation of technical creators. As Steve explains, “There is no activity on campus that the facility cannot support. It is the ultimate modern-day sandbox; as a teaching tool, it has potential that is only just being discovered. As a creative space it has virtually no limits.”
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
In 2015, the AV Production Facility was built into the already existing music building (Mabel Lonsdale Music Centre). Extensive soundproofing was installed, and walls are covered with elegant cherry wood diffusers to enhance the acoustics. The donor insisted on nothing less than industry-standard equipment, including a powerful monitor system and professional microphones. Students are trained on the industry-recognized Avid S6 console with Pro Tools software. They may work with both classical and contemporary musicians as part of curricular and/or co-curricular programming.
The studio is entirely Ethernet-based, which means that recordings can be done remotely anywhere there is an Ethernet connection. One of the first areas to use this was in livestreaming from the Chapel, made possible by the Shawnigan Parents Association and a matching donation from The Bradley Family Foundation. Since then, livestreaming has extended to sports and other events.
Today, the AV Production Facility remains an integral part of Shawnigan’s creative ecosystem under the continued guidance of Steve Smith. His expertise not only helps shape the direction of the C.A.S.E. program but also fosters the next generation of technical creators. As Steve explains, “There is no activity on campus that the facility cannot support. It is the ultimate modern-day sandbox; as a teaching tool, it has potential that is only just being discovered. As a creative space it has virtually no limits.”
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
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Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
