Full Sail University is known for its industry-standard production studios, venues, and technology. This spring, high school band students from the Central Florida region have had the chance to explore the campus, get hands-on experience with the same tools Full Sail students use, and perform music, as part of the recently launched Production Pathways program.

The inspiration for Production Pathways emerged from conversations among several staff members. David Dean, Program Director for the show production curriculum, suggested inviting marching bands to perform on campus and give parents a chance to watch these performances in a unique environment. Tim Stulman, Program Manager for the music production area of study, wanted to offer some type of music production workshop to high school students. Director of Outreach Andrew Duncan and his High School Outreach team were on board with both plans. The group decided to combine their ideas into a full-day event.

“My experience as a band dad taught me that high school band directors are dedicated people who go above and beyond for their students,” David says. “I have also noticed that band students’ parents are very proactive and involved in their kids’ activities.”

Tim, whose daughter also played the flute in marching band, believes students who participate in band programs can be a good fit for Full Sail.

“Those kinds of students already have a foundation of playing a musical instrument, and they can ramp up to our content much more quickly,” Tim says.

The inaugural Production Pathways event was held on May 2 when nearly 50 students from Pine Ridge High School in Deltona took a bus to campus. For the second event, students from Lake Minneola High School in Lake County came by for the day on May 31. Each event started out with an interactive campus tour in the morning.

“I have never known a person to tour Full Sail’s campus without their mouth open, their jaw dropped, and superlatives flowing out of their mouth,” David says.

After lunch, the students participated in a two-hour music production workshop.

“[These students] can read music, they can write music, but they likely haven't done a lot in terms of working in a DAW [digital audio workstation],” Tim explains.

The workshops began with a session on Logic, a popular audio editing program. Students learned recording, sequencing, and looping. They also worked on making beats and writing lyrics. During one of the workshops, hip-hop artist Westside Gravy made an appearance to help teach the students some tricks of the trade. Several students recorded their own songs individually or in small groups.

“It was basically a digital playground,” Tim explains. “Seeing the kids come up with something creative, fun, and then to see how much they got out of the experience with something to take home with them on a USB drive was very inspiring.”

Each day culminated in a band rehearsal followed by a professionally produced and recorded performance for the students in the Full Sail Live venue.

“We can offer a multi-camera shoot, a video wall, a jib [camera flying around], and isolated shots of students performing,” David says.

“Knowing our faculty, staff, and students are providing this incredible opportunity for high school students—capturing these moments on film so they can cherish them for years to come — makes this a truly worthwhile experience,” Andrew adds.

According to David, the fact that Full Sail’s show production students have been able to assist in these events is also an important aspect for them to fulfill their required hours and to engage with prospective students.

“It's a perfect marriage for our students and these high school students,” he says.

Show production students in the Project and Portfolio VII course helped prepare a stage and other important elements for these productions.

“Many high school band programs lack technical expertise and recording equipment,” Tim asserts. “We have some pretty incredible cameras and audio equipment here.”

One of the main goals of the Production Pathways program is to help open the minds of young students to potential career tracks.

“Oftentimes, a student's final high school band performance marks the end of music playing a significant role in their life because they are unaware of the diverse opportunities available in college and as a professional,” Andrew explains. “Production Pathways provides them with the chance to explore and experience various facets of these industries.”

“These kids realize they can do sound and lighting for a living, make music for commercials, or develop games,” David adds. “I want kids to know they can go on tour with Lady Gaga or help with the stadium production for an NFL game by the time they’re 20 or 21.”

The feedback on these events has been overwhelmingly positive from the students, band directors, and parents.

“Band directors get a high-quality recording of a band performance,” Tim says. “That, by itself, is enough… But when you add in a full campus tour, you put it all together, and it becomes greater than some of its parts. Parents also think it’s a really valuable experience. Many have said it’s one of their favorite places they’ve been to as a chaperone.”

“The parents were just over the moon to get to see their kids perform in this setting,” David says.

Looking ahead, the university plans to continue offering this unique program during the next academic year. David also hopes Full Sail can help provide production support to off-campus music festivals where high school marching bands come together to perform.