A Systems Education Network Takes Shape
By Keith Clark
Editor Install Sound

The recent - and highly successful - debut of a new educational program covering a range of technologies and disciplines reinforces the impressive commitment to learning, teaching and understanding within the systems industry.

The program, called the Education Network, is supported by Pro Co. and Neutrik USA. The brainchild of E. Victor Brown, a veteran systems pro and frequent contributor to ProSoundWeb Install Sound, Education Network places working professionals and product specialists from several sound disciplines in front of a diverse audience made up of beginners and experienced pros alike.

Pro Co founder Charlie Wicks inaugurates the Education Network by emphasizing the need to understand the basics, and to foster peer-to-peer communication.

Attendees also got to see, touch and ask questions about the impressive systems at Brown & Brown Studios.

The kickoff to the program was held at the beautiful new facilities of Brown & Brown recording studios in downtown Kalamazoo, with more than 70 area attendees turning out to enjoy an impressive roster of speakers. Plenty of Q & A, time for individual discussion, support materials and a tour of the workings of the studio were also a big part of the evening.

Neutrik’s Fred Besnoff explaining the basics of patch panels, including topics such as proper wiring, application and normaling.

Carl Pruett, production director of the State Theater in Kalamazoo, going over a spectrum of systems and management issues.

Education Network is modeled to grow to a national scale, although for the time being, much of the efforts will be concentrated within Brown’s Central Michigan base. A schedule of upcoming programs will be released soon.

John Bruey, monitor engineer for Limp Bizkit and a number of other noted touring acts, talks about his days as a Kalamazoo club engineer, his path to success and the emergence and advantages of in-ear monitoring.

Principles of the initial Education Network. Front: Fred Besnoff (left) and Kevin Brown, co-owner of the studio. Back (left to right): Carl Pruett, E. Victor Brown, Pro Co’s Bill Eaton and John Bruey.

“There’s always the desire, let alone the constant vital need, for continuous education in the systems industry,” Brown said during a program break. “Our approach with Education Network is to be as inclusive as possible, to match those offering knowledge with those seeking it in as personal and informal environment possible. The human side, the one on one, is an effective way to learn and just as importantly, to encourage everyone to communicate and share experience.”

(E. Victor Brown can be reached at evict@worldnet.att.net)