On application by their course administrators or leaders, students will be invited for a day at Shure UK's headquarters, where the company's specialists will advise the visitors on a variety of disciplines, depending on the students' requirements. Help is offered on microphone basics and theory, including practical mic placement work in a live room, vocal and drum miking, and wireless microphone basics. Visting students work through theory in the morning, then tackle practical/hands-on work in the afternoon.
The foundation of Shure Education formalises a role Shure Distribution UK has already been fulfilling for some time. "We've been running these education training days for various schools and colleges on an infrequent basis for about 18 months now - we've just decided to make them regular events and to let colleges and schools all over the UK know about what we offer," explains Shure's marketing manager Paul Crognale.
"The students currently going through GSCE and Further Education music technology and recording courses are the theatre technicians, FOH engineers, tour managers and successful musicians of the future, so it makes sense for us to build relationships with them now - and of course we can help them at an important stage in their studies, too."
Colleges and educational facilities whose students have already benefited from visiting Shure Distribution UK include SAE, Alchemea, Brunel University (and theatre students from Brunel Arts Centre), The Institute of Contemporary Music and City of Bath College.
"I really enjoyed the day of workshops we spent at the Shure offices," commented Mara, a student from City of Bath College after taking part in an education day. "I learned a lot about microphones and other equipment in a fun and hands-on way." Her enthusiasm was echoed by Graham Shaw, a course leader at Brunel who brought his students to Shure earlier this year: "It proved to be very informative and interesting for them in several ways. Some of the students really appreciated the theory in the morning and learning about the different polar patterns, sensitivity, proximity, and frequency responses of each microphone. Others appreciated the practical session in the afternoon. Learning the history of the company, seeing how it operates, and meeting the people who work there also proved to be a most valuable experience."
If you think your college, school or university could benefiit from visiting Shure UK headquarters, please contact Paul Crognale via www.shure.co.uk.
(Jim Evans)
