NEWS Archives - AVL Designs, Inc.

Seymour College Union at SUNY Brockport was being underutilized by the campus due to a dated interior, poor lighting, poor acoustics and minimal AV capabilities. So, under those conditions, it was not the “go-to” space on campus.

SEYMOUR College Union BEFORE renovations

The university decided it was time for an upgrade. AVL Designs Inc., partnered with Holt Architects, was enlisted to give the space new life.

Seymour Hall SUNY Brockport

Improved acoustics with absorptive fabric and wood acoustics elements tamed a 3 second reverb time (think “Ice Rink”) down to a well behaved 1.25 seconds. This was a great improvement.

Seymour College Union

A brand-new audio system, with both stage and distributed loudspeakers, was also added. Independent AV systems were installed in multiple huddle-style locations, along with bright fresh room lighting*, all under control of a Crestron control system.

The extensive re-do has been well-received. Seymour College Union is now a popular, highly used facility!

*Credits: Lighting and interior designs – Holt Architects

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Webster Spry Cafetorium

. Webster Spry Cafetorium

This cafeteria project at Webster Spry Middle School involved entirely new construction as they were adding a fully operational auditorium where they could put on plays, concerts, lectures and other live productions. A theatrical stage was added with direct garage door openings onto the exterior to facilitate load in and load out for various types of events that they would be hosting.

. rigging and lights

Known as the “Webster Spry Cafetorium,” it now has full stage rigging as well as a complete audio system, video system, and theatrical lighting system. Due to this being a combined space used for cafeteria functions as well as performances, and the fact that there is no permanent seating in the room to absorb sound, acoustical treatments had to be incorporated into the ceilings, walls, and other aspects of the room to provide appropriate acoustic conditions.

The control room was elevated to make way for cafeteria use. This change then made it necessary to enable remote monitoring so that the audio operator can hear what is going on in the room below. Pro lighting consists of color changing LEDs in various locations in the room, which you can see in the pictures.

Back to the “cafetorium” tag. The middle school uses this facility as a lunchroom, a teaching/study area and, now, an auditorium. Anyone remember what the sound was like in your old school cafeteria? Well, nothing has changed! Cafeteria sound, untreated, is like living in a tin-can.

. We discussed the ins and outs of handling unbridled sound in cafeterias in a previous post entitled “Help, I Work In A Cafeteria And I Think I’m Going Deaf!” Needless to say, we put our expertise to work in conquering the “tin-can-sound-chamber-syndrome” and the acoustic quality in this cafetorium has vastly improved. Happy ending!

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Saratoga Springs High School Acoustic Design

Beautifully repurposed cafeteria

In response to some very positive compliments concerning our cafeteria acoustic design at Saratoga Springs High School, we thought we would share that project news with you.

Saratoga Springs high school cafeteria

Cafeterias are tough, as we explained previously in “Help, I Work In A Cafeteria and I’m Going Deaf!” . Truly, cafeteria space is one of the worst when it comes to conquering the acoustics. Think “tin can.”

cafeteria

This space at Saratoga Springs High School started out as a repurposed gym/classroom, converted into a large upscale cafeteria.

high school cafeteria

Our scope of work was to acoustically compare the existing condition to the architect’s intended design. Their plan was a change for the better but, after modeling the space, we made recommendations that would step up those improvements beyond the original goal, while still preserving the look. We added K13 FC roof deck treatment above the new ceiling clouds, as well as changing wall materials and cloud materials. The school is very pleased with the results.

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Congratulations, Stan Jordan!

AVL Designs Inc. would like to congratulate our own, Stan Jordan! Stan was just added to the Entertainment Services and Technology Association’s Rigging Standard Working Group which is part of the ESTA’s technical standards program.

The importance of stage safety cannot be over-emphasized, and we are pleased that Stan will be taking part in this valuable endeavor.

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Massena High School – Not the Typical High School Theater Program!

In June of 2020 we were invited to tour Massena High School, located on the St. Lawrence Seaway, for an evaluation of their auditorium with future renovations in mind.

Auditorium seating

As we arrived at the school and crossed the threshold of the facility, we were stunned to see elaborate 3D sets with staircases intertwined throughout, beckoning audiences to enter the riveting tale of “West Side Story.” There was no doubt that Massena High School’s productions are top quality and out of the norm. This was not the typical high school theater program!

before picture of stage with 3D set for Westside Story

While they had some recently installed equipment in the room, most of the gear was getting old and needed to be replaced. The room itself was also aged and acoustically lacking. Our goal was to elevate the sound, lighting and video quality to an excellence that matches that of their shows. Working with the architect, The IBI Group, we developed an innovative plan incorporating expanded capabilities including new catwalks, state-of-the-art LED lighting systems, new audio systems, new video systems, video production systems, and completely new controls. In terms of consoles and other peripherals, the renovation is now complete and is a truly impressive makeover of the space.

new controls

Some of the most noticeable changes are in a place that few people see: the controls side of the room. There is an addition of an Allen and Heath D Live Series console and a new ETC Hog lighting console. Black Magic video controls, as well as higher-end Black Magic cameras, elevate this room technologically making a dramatic improvement over what they previously had. All of the lighting has been upgraded to Electronic Theater Controls (ETC.)

allen & heath controls

camera Every stage lighting fixture in the room has been replaced with LED color changing fixtures from Electronic Theater Controls, High End Systems and Varulite. Every fixture is now on relay-controlled power, which automatically shuts them off when they are not in use, thus extending their lives.

video screens in auditorium

The video systems are very impressive. Three 4k HD-enabled video screens are situated at the front of the room. They can be fed signals from broadcast production systems or a variety of computer sources.

You know, we seldom get to attend live productions after our work is done, but this is one school we wish were nearer our hometown. It would be nice to be in the audience enjoying the sights, sounds and experiences enhanced by our designs. If you get to do that, let us know!

NEWS

AVL Designs Inc. would like to congratulate our own, Stan Jordan! Stan was just added to the Entertainment Services and Technology Association’s Rigging Standard Working Group which is part of the ESTA’s technical standards program.

The importance of stage safety cannot be over-emphasized, and we are pleased that Stan will be taking part in this valuable endeavor.

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