VSI was working for electrical contractors MJN Colston, after recommendation from electrical consultants WS Atkins. The installations are in the school's two assembly halls.
VSI has long experience and some highly successful projects in this sector. Their main philosophy when dealing with the education market has always been to deliver workable systems that are appropriate and relevant.
With this being a primary school, the requirements were more straightforward than those of a high school. The School needed "budget conscious, easy to use systems that give the flexibility to enhance general presentations and service a variety of live performances" says VSI account handler Keith Fish.
Initial plans for the main hall had included a winch bar system to raise and lower lighting equipment in and out of the roof. However Keith Fish thought laterally and long term, and came up with the idea of an LED installation which would be virtually maintenance free and therefore require no access system - a practical plan that also saved the client money.
The hall contains a portable stage which they wanted to be able to set up and use primarily in two different configurations. To facilitate lighting for both these positions, two lighting bars were installed which can light the stage in an end-on or an in-the-round situation.
The main hall bars are loaded with a total of 12 polished chrome LED PAR 64s, each containing 36 RGB LEDs. In the smaller hall - measuring a 20 x 10m, the lighting design incorporates a single lighting bar, with 12 PAR 56 LED equivalents, each using an expedient 18 Watts of electricity.
Lighting is controlled from a 24-channel DMX desk, allowing each individual fixture to be individually dimmed and have its colour changed.
For sound in both halls, VSI specified a Phonic powered mixer amp and speakers. This was chosen as a good, reliable and cost-effective solution for anything from sound reinforcement for assemblies to theatre productions, concert performances and the spoken word. Induction loops in both halls are also fed from the sound system.
The sound spec also included Audio Technica hand-held radio wired and wireless microphones, all cabling and a flight case for neat and safe storage. At the same time, VSI also fitted a smaller TOA F2322 recessed ceiling speaker system into the separate drama studio space, complete with AT MB3K hand held wired mics
Multimedia projection systems were installed in both halls. VSI's project manager was Tony Moruzzi and the site team leader was Kyle Morgan.
(Jim Evans)
