Jacob Dodson
Staff Writer

 

Traverse City (TC) is known for its diverse musical performances and shows, from the Alluvion and indoor concerts at bars and pubs, to musical shows at locations such as the Commons. It’s no secret that live music and shows are a meaningful part of life in TC.

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Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) is no exception, and is known widely across the state by music artists for boasting a modern and sophisticated audio program located in the Founders Hall building on the main NMC campus.

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Originally from Grand Rapids, Ted Weaver, a second-year audio tech major, enrolled at NMC to further his musical education and journey.

“I’m in a band called Fallsin, and play drums, though I’m actually native to guitar. That’s where I started, and that’s the instrument I’m best at, but April already plays guitar, and we’re only a three-piece band right now,” said Weaver. “I showed some competency on drums about a year ago, and am a little better now.” April is another member of Fallsin.

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According to Weaver, the audio tech program has been through a transitional period as of late, 

 

“We recently went through a change with our audio tech coordinator. Our previous one, Brady Corcocan, was let go. He’s a great dude, but I think it was a big role to take on,” Weaver explained, “Since then, there’s definitely been some improvement, as well as some changes recently in terms of usage of founders hall equipment and the space that a lot of students didn’t really agree with, myself included. But I think those matters are getting resolved and students are getting more let in on the changes that are occurring. They have more of a say, because I think that’s important too, cuz we’re the one’s paying for it. We’re not doing all of the behind the scenes work that all of the professors are, but it’s just as important to us.”

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“Overall, I think we have a pretty good program here, not gonna lie … It’s a great community, everyone here is super awesome,” Weaver reflected, “The people here have been super important. It’s like any job, you can live the job, but it’s the people that make it. Everyone there is super positive and cool, and we’re all good friends - it definitely helps with the creative process. We learn from each other, we collaborate, we help motivate each other. Get feedback.”

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Q: What draws students to be in a band vs perform as a solo artist?

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“I like both. But I think the band is nice because there’s less pressure to have to come up with everything and do it all yourself. Everybody has their role, and it’s just easier … I’m the “leader” or whatever of the band, so I’m not actually making the songs, so that’s nice. But the solo stuff is cool too, because I can kinda just do what I want, play my guitar. And it feels more personal.”

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Q: Music is somewhat differentiated by whether it’s performed live or recorded and listened to by the individual. What do you prefer?

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“I like performing. And I would like to perform solo, but that will require me to have to put in the studio work. Which is enjoyable, it had its pros and cons. I mean, right now I don’t have to pay for a studio, so that’s nice. I can just [use] Founders Hall.”

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Q: What advice do you have for new audiotech students?

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“Do it because you’re passionate about something, whether it’s music or recording or live stuff. Do it out of passion, and keep your mind open to many possibilities because from what I’ve seen, you’re gonna be wearing a lotta different hats. Maybe down the line of your career you’re focused on one thing, but it seems like there’s a lot of dipping your toes into other departments of this industry, so keep an open mind. Have good character, it’s gonna lead to opportunities. Be dependable, show up, and just be eager to try new things and learn. You don’t have to know anything going into this - I barely knew anything. Just from classes and doing the work and being at gifs and events, my internship, I’ve learned so much, and I’m all the better for it.”