AV/Tech Students Volunteer to Gain Experience

February 10, 2017, (Independence, IA) – Recently, a group of students from the Independence AV Tech Club volunteered their time and knowledge to help raise funds for the upcoming Independence Fourth of July celebration. The Independence Day Celebration Committee brought Shawn Gerhard and The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute band back to the community.

After hearing about the concert, AV Tech Advisor, Travis McBride stated, “With the school district renting the lighting production, it made sense to bring the students in who are familiar with the technology to make it a win, win for everyone involved.”

The band had also requested volunteers to help with their equipment. The request was extended to the AV Tech students who have experience working these types of events. Five students volunteered their time at The Ultimate Garth Brook Tribute and helped with many aspects of the show. They helped load in, setup, pack up and load out the band. Students also helped film, photograph, run lights and the spot light for the show. Ryan Adams, Spenser Rothman, Spencer Rodriguez, Jerome Stivers and Harry Baker put their skills to the test and represented the Independence AV Tech Club well.

The Independence AV Tech Club is in its 4th year in the Independence Community School District. Travis McBride is the AV Tech Advisor and Michael Ellis is the Assistant Advisor. Currently, there are 36 members from all Jr/S. High School grade levels. The club meets throughout the year and beyond events happening in the auditorium, school and rental, they are also involved in helping produce the Independence 4th of July, the Wrestling Mat Club’s fundraiser with Dueling Pianos for the past two years, plus productions at the home football games and any district events televised on KCRG.

While being a member of the AV Tech Club, the students are able to gain real work experience through volunteering for events like this concert. To earn an AV Tech letter, each student needs to volunteer for 20 events and total 80 hours. While this seems like a lot, there have been students earn nearly 300 hours in one year, volunteering for over 80 events. This includes athletic events, community events, arts concerts, etc.

AV Tech Advisor, Travis McBride states, “Our reward comes from seeing an audience enjoy the production of any given event; arts, athletics, etc. If the audience is receptive, and leaves remarking about how wonderful the show was, then we did our job. Many people do not understand or see the amount of time, labor, and planning that goes into the pre and post productions of any event that these students work. Being able to give them these types of opportunities is my way of rewarding them for the skills they’ve learned throughout their involvement. Each of these five students easily stepped up to the challenge and worked hard!”

For more information on the Av/Tech Club, please contact Travis McBride at mailto:tmcbride@independence.k12.ia.us or call 319-334-7400.

 

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