The Drumbeat

by Haohang Zheng

A/V Club? What is that? The Audio/Visual Club, or A/V Club, is one of the newest clubs to the PHS community. This club involves teamwork, skill, and the mindset to learn. Whether it’s microphones, lights, projectors, or cameras, we work with a wide variety of tools to ensure every event runs smoothly with precision.

Sound: The Heart of Every Event
Sound is arguably the most critical component of any major event. Imagine attending a concert where the artist’s voice is muffled or drowned out by technical issues. It would completely ruin the experience, wouldn’t it? A/V Club ensures that never happens at PHS events.

Our team works tirelessly behind the scenes to guarantee that microphones are functional and the audio is clear and balanced. We strive to make sure performers’ voices project confidently to the audience without being overpowering. To achieve this, we monitor sound levels from the back, ensuring that sound is at its desired level.

Preventing issues is another vital part of our job. Before any event, we double-check the equipment—testing microphones, replacing batteries, and troubleshooting any potential problems. This preparation helps minimize the likelihood of sound-related mishaps during performances. After all, clear and reliable sound is what keeps the audience engaged and the event flowing seamlessly.

Lights: Setting the Mood
While sound takes center stage, lighting plays a key supporting role in creating the right atmosphere. Lights are much more than just a way to brighten the stage—they set the tone, build excitement, and enhance the overall experience.

Let’s return to the concert example. Picture a performance without the colorful laser lights, dramatic spotlights, or impactful effects. It would feel flat and uninspired. Lighting transforms an ordinary stage into a captivating visual spectacle, creating an immersive experience for both the audience and the performers.

In the A/V Club, we carefully coordinate the lighting to match the mood of the event. Whether it’s a dance performance, an emotional speech, or a dramatic play, our goal is to elevate the experience with the perfect lighting setup.

Cameras: Expanding the Reach
You might not immediately think of cameras when you hear “A/V Club,” but they’re an essential part of what we do. Our team operates cameras for live streaming events, ensuring that viewers who can’t attend in person still have access to a high-quality experience.

This involves more than just pointing a camera at the stage. We work to maintain a stable connection between the livestream and the network, troubleshoot potential issues, and ensure the video feed is smooth and professional. Whether it’s a school assembly, a performance, or a sports game, we make sure everyone feels like they’re right there in the action, no matter where they’re watching from.

The Unrecognized Work
Much of the work we do in the A/V Club happens behind the scenes. We’re often unnoticed when things go right but quickly blamed when something goes wrong. It’s a tough but rewarding job, and we take pride in the role we play in making every event a success.

This article is not only to share what we do but also to invite those who are curious about technical equipment or passionate about creating memorable experiences to join us. The A/V Club is more than just a team—it’s a family.

So, if you’re interested in microphones, lights, projectors, cameras, or just love the idea of working behind the scenes to make events shine, we’d love to have you. Together, we can create incredible experiences and ensure that every event at PHS is something to remember.