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Roger Duncan: funeral arrangements

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - As we announced last week, Roger Duncan sadly died on Monday 1 December after battling against cancer. He was undergoing further treatment when he died suddenly in hospital. Roger was known throughout the industry, having worked tirelessly for the STLD as sponsor liaison, and most members would have dealt with him directly at some time.

Roger's funeral will be at 11a.m. on Monday, 15 December 2003 at The Chiltern Crematorium, Whielden Lane, Amersham, HP7 0ND (the road is part of the A404 from Amersham - High Wycombe). Anyone wishing to attend should notify STLD chairman, Bernie Davis, at the e-mail address provided below.

Roger's wife has requested family flowers only, but if anyone would like to make a donation it should be sent to the funeral director, who will divide the sum between Cancer Research UK and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People; or if you want the donation to go

New president for Furman Sound Inc

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Furman Sound Inc has announced the appointment of James R. Bonfiglio as its president and CEO. Bonfiglio has over 30 years of experience with leading corporations, and previously held positions as president and CEO with Home America and Texscan Corp, as well as senior management positions with Rockwell International, Cenco Inc and The Gillette Company.

Bonfiglio's development and implementation of strategic plans has dramatically improved company and division efficiency in the past, leading to accelerated product development programs, record sales growth, and increased profitability, say Furman. Bonfiglio joins Furman as the company enters a new period of expansion: the company currently manufacturers over 100 high-quality professional products under the Furman brand name, as well as the value line of RackRider products. The company is also poised to introduce power condi

https://www.claypaky.it/products/ultimo-hybrid/

Ken Morrison joins Shure Distribution UK

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Shure Distribution UK has announced that Ken Morrison has joined the company as a regional sales manager. Ken will be responsible for Scotland, Northern Ireland plus the far North of England and will represent each of the brands distributed by Shure Distribution UK. Having worked within the music industry since 1985, Morrison brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the company and was most recently employed for three and a half years by Arbiter Pro Audio as the company's AKG installed sound manager. Prior to that, Beyerdynamic employed Morrison for seven years as their northern area sales manager.

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Natasha Smith home a-loan

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Natasha Smith has recently been appointed as manager of Steljes Hire's Loan Pool. The 'Loan Pool', a recent addition to the Steljes Hire Channel Support Services, was launched in September to provide resellers with a direct source of demonstration products. Smith has worked for Steljes Trade for over seven years and has been working in the hire division since 1997. Eddie Bance, director of Steljes Hire commented: "With over seven years of experience at Steljes, Natasha has extensive industry knowledge and will ensure reseller's loan requirements are efficiently and perfectly matched."

(Sarah Rushton-Read)

Goettsch joins QSC Audio

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - QSC Audio has appointed Dennis Goettsch as loudspeaker product planner. Goettsch, formerly director of engineering for Radian Audio Engineering, will now oversee all aspects of QSC's loudspeaker development programs. He brings over 20 years of professional audio experience to the company, having worked in both the manufacturing and production aspects of loudspeaker development. Goettsch has served as manager of engineering at EAW as well as product manager for JBL Professional.

"I'm really pleased to be joining QSC," says Goettsch. "QSC is widely recognized throughout our industry as a leading force in sound reinforcement. The opportunity to contribute to the company's loudspeaker programs is exciting. There's a wealth of opportunity in the marketplace for quality loudspeakers and I look forward to being part of QSC's development process."

(Lee Baldoc

FX technical expert joins APRS board

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - FX Group technical director Frank Oglethorpe has been appointed to the board of directors of the APRS (Association of Professional Recording Services), joining forces with such industry luminaries as chairman Phil Dudderidge (Focusrite), Dave Harries (ex-Air Studios), Malcolm Atkin (Sphere Studios), Mike Banks (SSL) and David Hamilton-Smith (China Blue).

As part of his role, Frank will focus on generating interest in and awareness of the APRS and increasing its membership, as well as soliciting feedback from current members and identifying ways to improve the benefits of joining. As his job at FX brings him into close contact with a wide range of recording services, Frank will mainly be gauging reactions to the Association out in the field.

It's a great privilege to be involved with the heads of our industry," says Oglethorpe. "The APRS has a long and distinguis

Sound Designer of the Year for Simon Baker

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - The UK's Simon Baker, of London-based theatre sound specialist Autograph Sound Recording, won the Sound Designer of the Year award at the recent 2003 LDI show in Orlando, Florida. A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Baker spent three years as sound supervisor at the Royal National Theatre before joining Autograph in 1999. Since arriving at London's leading sound design and equipment supply company, Simon has quickly risen to become one of the world's most highly respected sound designers. Among other productions, he recently co-designed the West End smash Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with Autograph chairman Andrew Bruce and is currently co-designer on Raymond Gubbay's productions of Peter Pan and Pirates of Penzance at the Savoy Theatre, along with Autograph's managing director and fellow sound designer, Terry Jardine.

(Lee Baldock)

DiGiCo appoints US national sales manager

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - DiGiCo USA has appointed Ivan C. Schwartz as US national sales manager to further organize the company's rep/dealer structure within the US and provide high quality service to the regional markets.

Having been involved with sound reinforcement since the late 1970s, Schwartz brings to DiGiCo a wealth of real-world product knowledge as well as an extensive management background in the pro audio industry. Previous positions included corporate director of product and market development at Mackie Designs, director of marketing at EAW, and general manager of Mark IV Pro Audio Group. Schwartz holds a BS Industrial Technology from WWU and is a member of the AES, IEEE, and NSCA.

"We're delighted to welcome Ivan aboard," says Eric Wade, CEO of DiGiCo USA. "We've known him for many years and his experience with dealer networks, as well as his vast industry knowledge

Chris Hale returns to Martin Professional

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Martin Professional has announced the return of Chris Hale to the company, where he will provide technical support for the stage, studio and event segment. Hale, who has 12 years of lighting industry experience, returned to the company in September, from Coemar UK, after a year and a half absence.

Hale started his lighting industry career as a freelance programmer, operator and service engineer, working mainly in clubs, and worked freelance for a short time in the US. His previous employment at Martin UK included work as a service engineer/programmer and product manager for lighting and control. He also worked in Martin's educational program, Martin University, and was involved in planning and setting up of exhibitions for Martin UK and worldwide for the company's headquarters. Hale has extensive programming experience having programmed numerous large shows and several larg

New appointment at PRG Orlando

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Production Resource Group (PRG) has announced that Steven Cullipher has joined the company's Systems Integration team as a business development executive, based at PRG's Orlando office.

Cullipher has been involved in numerous high-profile projects during his career, including the installation of area lighting systems at Universal's Citywalk in Orlando; the construction of the MSNBC Studios in Secaucus, New Jersey; dimming and control systems for a wide range of sites including for four theatres at the State University of New York (SUNY), The Phil Donahue Show at Manhattan Center Studios in New York, NBC affiliate WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., The Golden Moon Casino in Philadelphia, Mississippi, and the Folger Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC.

Bill Groener, head of PRG's System Integration Group, has known Cullipher for many years and previously worked with him at Bar

Martin Barbour (right, with BSS Audio's new PC Tablet) alongside Richie Rowley - in the new DJ box at London club, Fabric.

BSS expands system support team

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - Martin Barbour has been appointed as systems engineer at BSS, reporting to Richard Rowley. Barbour already has wide experience of BSS products, having worked for many years as a freelance engineer. He is best known as a key member of the sound crew at the Millennium Dome in London, installing, programming and taking care of the BSS Soundweb installation.

Barbour has also worked as in-house sound engineer for live TV stations 'Whereits.at' and 'NOW', where he looked after broadcast and stage sound for visiting artists, and on installation projects with Live Business International, including the Milton Keynes SnoZone refurb and the cruise ship Thomson Spirit. He has spent the remainder of his time as a freelance Pro-Tools engineer working on various music projects across London and in his own Pro-Tools edit/mix facility, Doghouse Studios.

(Lee Baldock)

New appointment at EV

Details: 14 March 2016

Germany - Jean-Michael Benseler has taken over the coordination of Electro-Voice's microphone marketing in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Benseler, is well-known and respected within the industry, having enjoyed success on the road with Electro-Voice in the mid-seventies. After many years gathering experience in leading positions with a number of well-known audio firms, Benseler returned to EVI Audio two years ago.

(Lee Baldock)

Clockwise from top left: Kasper Gissel, Karsten Petersen, Claus Jensen and Morten Kristensen.

Martin Pro strengthens sales team

Details: 14 March 2016

Denmark - The Entertainment Sales Division at Martin Professional's Danish headquarters has appointed four experienced and highly qualified Martin personnel to the company's International Entertainment Sales team. All four bring with them years of company experience.

Kasper Gissel joins the Division as business development manager. As former head of corporate finance, Gissel has a strong insight into the global rental market. In addition to strengthening the company's global rental position, Gissel will continue to be involved in sales, pricing and credit policy.

Karsten Petersen has been appointed leisure segment manager. Petersen is a former CFO of Martin US, current project manager for Martin's newly-opened China factory, and manager of the company's cruise line activities, and brings a mix of financial and sales skills to the Entertainment Sales team.

Claus Jensen has be

Rob "Lucky" Ludlow joins TMB

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - TMB has announced the addition of Rob "Lucky" Ludlow to the UK sales department. Although young in years and energy, Rob is a veteran of the industry. Originally from South Africa, Ludlow moved to London, where he worked for ETC Europe and then for White Light. From this background as both a TMB vendor and customer, say TMB, Ludlow developed a platonic relationship with Paul Hartley and many other TMB folks. Not put off by hard work and recognizing the inevitable, Lucky decided to take the TMB challenge.

'Lucky' is well liked in the entertainment lighting industry and, in addition to sales, TMB will utilize his talents to research and help develop new and innovative products. Even his nickname has TMB origins: "Anyone who confuses a pack of Lucky Strikes with a pack of something else and has the honesty to talk about it," says TMB European general manage

Richard Pilbrow honoured by ABTT

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - On 12 December 2003, during ETC's festive bash at the Crypt of St Martin's-in-the-Fields, London, LD Mark Johnathan presented Richard Pilbrow with a Fellowship of the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) - an organization of which he was a founding member. Pilbrow has long been a guru of theatre lighting and is respected throughout the industry for his achievements as a lighting designer, author and theatre consultant.

His first book, Stage Lighting Design, can be found in many a theatre school library and has been as a bible to countless aspiring lighting designers and theatre technicians working today. Pilbrow revolutionized stage lighting in Britain and created Theatre Projects - the first independent lighting design consultancy in the UK - which, of course, has continued to grow and is still going strong today as Theatre Projects Consultants.

(Sarah Rush

New Wimbledon Theatre appointments

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) has appointed the senior management team for the New Wimbledon Theatre, as the venue prepares to re-open next month. The venue closed in June 2003 and was taken over by ATG in September.

Among the newly-appointed team is general manager Maralyn Sarrington. Most recently, she was general manager of Hampstead Theatre, where she supervized the organization's move to a new, multi-space public venue following its successful Lottery bid. From 1996 - 2001, she was general manager at Shakespeare's Globe, which included managing its opening season in 1997.

David Holder has been appointed theatre manager, in charge of front-of-house services and customer care. David has spent the last four years with ATG, as theatre manager of the Theatre Royal in Brighton and before that, as customer services manager at its flagship venue - The Ambassadors comple

Mike Falconer departs A.C.T. Lighting

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - A.C.T Lighting Inc, the North American distributor of MA Lighting, Zero 88 and Artistic Licence, has announced that Mike Falconer is to leave the company at the end of the month. Falconer, who many in the UK will know from his time at AC Lighting in High Wycombe, has worked in technical sales and support at A.C.T and has been a key member of the company's support staff under technical manager Mario Collazo.

"Mike has been a valuable member of our team", said Bob Gordon, the company's president and CEO. "I am sorry to see him go, but I wish him the best and I hope to continue our close personal and business relationship."

Falconer is leaving the company to pursue a career in technical writing and is starting his own company called Doubleplusgood Media. "Writing has always been a passion for me and something that I have enjoyed immensely" sai

Vari-Lite sales team expands at VLPS

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - VLPS Lighting Services has announced the arrival of industry veteran Philip Norfolk. He has taken on the role of regional sales manager, joining Simon Roose and Colin Brooker. Norfolk will be looking after the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia territory.

Simon Roose, European sales manager commented: "Of course, Philip is well known in the industry and is a valued addition to our sales team. Sales of Vari-Lite Product have grown rapidly since the launch. With the most recent success of the VL3000 Series and the imminent arrival of the quiet version of the VL3000, the timing of Philip's appointment could not be better."

Norfolk commented: "Vari-Lite have always had the passion to create truly innovative product and has their core in providing lighting professionals with the perfect tools for the job. I am delighted to join the team here at VLPS sales and look forw

New appointment at Crown Audio

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Crown International has named Larry Baker as market director for Portable PA, Recording and Broadcast. The appointment was announced by Mark Graham, Crown's vice-president of marketing and product development.

Baker brings diverse experience to the position, with more than a decade of business development and strategic marketing experience with major consumer and high tech B2B companies. He has spearheaded numerous product line strategies including re-establishing RCA audio products in the US, launching the distribution and sale of GE Communication products internationally, and establishing Unicru as the leading hiring management system in the US. Larry received both his BS Chemical Engineering and MBA from Purdue University.

"We are excited to have Larry join our team," said Mark Graham. "Larry's extensive skills in market analysis and business developmen

Diane Grant of DHA takes over as chairman of PLASA, and Andrew Bishop of Carlsbro Electronics is the Association's new vice-chairman.

New chairman and vice-chairman at PLASA

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - The Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) has announced that Diane Grant of DHA Lighting and Andrew Bishop of Carlsbro Electronics have been elected PLASA chairman and vice-chairman respectively, with Tim Brown of Apple Sound re-elected as PLASA treasurer. The Association's previous chairman, David Hopkins (OBE) of Audio Design Services remains on the PLASA committee, but former vice-chairman Sammy de Havilland steps down, having completed his term in office.

During the year ahead, the new committee will focus on several key themes, including improved services for the membership and greater emphasis on safety and training.

(Lee Baldock)

New appointments at MC2 Audio

Details: 14 March 2016

UK - MC2 Audio is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Bradshaw-Smith as a Director with the company. Having started his working life outside the pro audio industry, Robert has been with MC2 Audio for just over eight years and has worked with huge commitment throughout that time, taking on whatever task has been required as the business as grown and developed, whilst acquiring a broad knowledge of electronics at the same time. Managing director, Ian McCarthy says: "Rob is an asset to MC2 Audio and Terry and I are delighted to have him alongside as a director."

The company has also announced the appointment of Stuart Down as UK sales engineer, beginning on 1 February. Down has been with MC2 Audio for just over a year, before which he spent 10 years working as a sound engineer in theatres and on live music productions.

(Lee Baldock)

New MI/Retail manager for QSC

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Ray van Straten has been promoted to serve as QSC's new MI/Retail market manager following 15 months spent with the company giving guidance to retail market development. With over 20 years of experience in the retail sector to his credit, van Straten is a self-described "gear hound" who lives and breathes new technology.

"Ray has been out in the field for months, talking with sales people and listening to customers," says QSC global sales manager Greg McLagan. "As the technologies, end-users, and methodologies for doing business have rapidly evolved, he has been on top of things with his finger right on the pulse of what's happening. The wealth of experience he brings to this assignment is invaluable, plus he has solid plans for leading us into new channels not traditionally associated with retail."

An accomplished musician and published son

Loud appoints manager for EAW Commercial

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Loud Technologies Inc (formerly Mackie Designs) has appointed Mark Madison as group manager for the newly-created EAW Commercial division, with responsibility for defining and implementing sales and distribution programs for the new division. Madison will also serve as the primary link between field sales, marketing and the EAW Commercial product development team with full responsibility for sales strategy, policies and procedures, promotional activities, customer relationships, product applications, and presentation standards.

Madison has over 25 years of experience in the audio-visual world, having worked in broadcast, production, sound reinforcement, studio recording, video conferencing, and all forms of sound and video contracting and systems integration. He has designed and managed over 1,000 projects with ranging from tens of thousands to several million dollars for

Digico USA appoints Allan Nichols

Details: 14 March 2016

USA - Allan Nichols has been appointed as central regional sales manager for DiGiCo LLC. He will also manage the new DiGiCo sales office at the SoundCheck facility in Nashville, Tennessee. Nichols joins DiGiCo after a four-year stint as sales director for Allen & Heath USA. Previously he has worked for a number of audio console companies as director of sales and marketing for Crest Audio, vice-president of sales and marketing for Soundcraft/AMEK USA and six years as national sales manager for Klark-Teknik, DDA and Midas.

"I worked with Allan at Midas, so it's great to have him back as he truly understands audio mixing products," said Ivan Schwartz, sales manager for DiGiCo LLC. "This makes him the ideal candidate to help further grow DiGiCo's very successful business here in the States."

Nichols comments: "DiGiCo offers exceptional technology for touri

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