We Sound Better Thanks to the Kindness of Others

We recently replaced our wireless microphones thanks to several especially kind donations and we already sound better. Due to a recent decision by FCC we had to make plans for ceasing use of the microphones we already owned. Buying new seemed like the best option but we were going to need help.

We are now proud owners of ten (10) new Audio-Technica wireless microphones thanks mostly to these generous organizations: Friends of Firestone (the FHS Alumni Association), FHS Student Council, FHS Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA), and Firestone Choral Dance Theatre Association (FCDTA). Without these kind folks we would likely still be struggling to come up with the money to replace our outdated and soon to be un-usable sound equipment.

We purchased our original wireless microphones about 10 years ago and have been nursing them along for at least a couple of years. Before that we consistently rented or borrowed microphones for our productions. It was always a pain and we decided at that time that it would be better to purchase our own . . . besides, Audio-Technica (located in nearby Stow) told us that we couldn't borrow microphones from them any longer because they were discontinuing their loaning program. So we bought ten units at a fair price and have used them consistently in the time since. Those first mics served us well and it was always an advantage to have microphones of our own to use whenever we needed them.

More recently the FCC auctioned off the frequencies on which our microphones operated and we were made aware that we would have to dicontinue using our system by June 1, 2010. We were not alone as all schools, churches, and theatres that use mics for non-commercial purposes in the 700 mhz band would also be forced to stop or potentially face serious fines or at least significant interference from the commercial use of the frequencies.

I have heard that some organizations have decided to ride out the storm . . . waiting to see if some last-minute reprieve will be offered to schools or other non-profit organizations. We instead took action; we asked several organizations to match our financial efforts to replace our wireless system so that we would be compliant with the new FCC regulation. Not one request was denied and we were able to raise the necessary funds in fairly straight order.

Thanks to the generosity and support of the above organizations we have completely replaced our old and tattered wireless microphones and were even able to integrate some of the new equipment into our recent production of SWEENEY TODD. I am happy to say that the new equipment is a large step forward in quality. The new microphones sound great and provide a more consistent and warmer signal from our singers. These new microphones should also be cheaper to operate because they use AA batteries instead of the 9-volt batteries the old system required.

We now turn our attention to our failing sound board.

maz