Pelaez 1

Alexi Pelaez
Mr. White
Period 6
Senior Project: An Art and Music Show
Introduction
Whats more stressful than inviting everyone in Simi Valley into your home?
Nothing. Hosting and organizing an art and music show is what I have chosen to create
for my Senior Project which will take place on January 9, 2016. I will provide a venue for
local artists to showcase and sell their work. I will also have local bands play their
original music. I personally also plan on creating specific artwork and selling it at this
event. What kind of responsibilities come with hosting such an occasion? As the
coordinator of this event, I will have to educate myself on safety precautions and hazards.
Knowing how certain appliances such as speakers and amps work, learning the health
hazards, the set up of such equipment, and who will be providing the equipment are the
main points of making this project run smoothly. There will be a small entry fee of one
dollar which I will donate to St. Judes Children Hospital. Additional donations will also
be accepting and greatly appreciated. All the proceeds I make off selling my artwork will
also be donated. Snacks and sodas will consist of a small fee which will also be donated.
What other artist chose to do with their profits is solely their decision. Not only will this
project be fun, interesting, and enjoyable, it will also teach me responsibility

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Concert Sound Engineering

Knowing the basic science behind speakers and amplifiers can help decrease the
amount of time needed to fix an internal issue in one of theses appliances. The physics
behind speakers is also important, for they amplify the sounds being produced, since the
frequency of the vibrations governs the pitch of the sound produced (physics.org, 2015).
For example, if the magnet inside the speaker were to stop working, knowing that the
magnet is that part not functioning could help solve the crisis sooner so the show can
proceed. A speaker amplifies sound by creating alternate currents consisting of reversing
the voice coil and magnet inside the speaker. For example, if the magnet inside the
speaker were to stop working, knowing that the magnet is that part not functioning could
help solve the crisis sooner so the show can proceed. An amplifier is usually only used
specifically for musical instruments. A transistor based amplifier is used to amplify a
signal such as a voice or instruments. An amp is an electronic component that increases
an electrical current. The tricky side of operating an amp is getting the best quality sound
possible. This varies on the quality of the input itself. Speakers and amps can produce
distortion while being bombarded with an overload of sound. Microphones create a very
small amount of current (Elsea, 1996). This should be taken into account while choosing
a correct and sensible volume.

When a person with a microphone stands to close to the amplifier, a loud screeching
sound is produced. This is referred to as feedback. This is used as an indicator that the

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sound is being produced at too high of a level. The sound a person is making is
produced, and then reproduced causing the loud annoying noise.
While setting up the equipment, one should take into account the distance
between the speakers and amplifiers and the people playing the instruments and singing.
Like stated earlier, the sound can be produced and reproduced creating an unpleasant
ruckus. Not only is there a technical part to setting up, theres also a personal side to it.
Musicians tend to get rowdy and eccentric while playing music and should be provided
with an ample amount of space. This way the musicians an move freely and naturally
across the stage/designated area. Having a designated area where only the individuals
handling the equipment will keep out members of the audience and decrease the risk of
injuries to those attending. Keeping all wires and cords untangled can help reduce the risk
of someone tripping and falling.
Safety and Hygiene
Lifting and transporting heavy machinery and appliances should be a team effort.
Proper lifting can improve the speed of setting the equipment up (Cheskey, 2012).
Improper lifting can result in injury and can also postpone the event from taking its
course. Equipment such as speakers, amplifiers and drums should always be taken apart
(if possible) and carried by more than one person. Creating fewer objects to carry is safer,
but could be more time consuming considering the amount of trips back and forth to the
designated area.

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Sharing personal items always has its risks and downfalls. People are taught at an
early age not to share drinks and food to reduce the risk of illness and the spread of
unwanted germs. Sharing mouthpieces and microphones is usually the main source of
spreading such germs. Even though the musicians will be under my supervision for I am
hosting the event, everyone playing/performing will be personally responsible for their
own safety and health (Chesky, 2012). While speaking, most people tend to spit and
project the saliva. When one is talking/singing into a microphone the same occurs. And
once another person takes hold on the microphone, the germs and bacteria can spread into
the foreign person.
Liquids are the main source of shock hazards while using anything requiring
electricity to operate. Liquids can shock those around the electric equipment and can also
cause a short in the outlet used. Keeping all equipments properly grounded is very
essential (Atchley, 2008). Failure to follow rules can result in injuries to those around the
equipment. This also results in technical difficulties which can set back the show/show
times.
Musical Instrument
Each musical instrument has its own sound therefore requiring its own volume.
Creating a great and enjoyable sound for the audience is key. The audience
responds to the sound created in a more relative manner than an additive manner
(Gross, 2005). An electric guitar produces its sound though the vibrations of the strings

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being strummed by the artist. The sound is then amplified through a transistor amplifier.
Not only are electric guitars more popular and desired, they are also more sensible for
occasions such as this one. Electric guitars produce a heavier, louder, denser sound
compared to an acoustic guitar.
Another important piece of information to keep in mind is the measurement of
decibels while one is performing. A decibel is a unit of measurement used to describe the
intensity of sound waves on a logarithmic scale. In more basic terms, it is the
measurement of sound/loudness. Usually in the state of California, 11 oclock P.M. is the
set time for all power tools, instruments, and other loud appliances to be shut off. Not
only is this the law of certain communities, it is also respectable to the neighbors
surrounding the area. 110 dB is the usual level of rock instruments and power tools. Loud
noises can increase the chances of hearing loss, permanent and temporary. Hearing loss is
generally preventable, so the use of ear plugs or other protective garments is highly
advisable (Cheskey, 2012).
Conclusion
Generally speaking, I expect many problems and issues to arise during this event.
After extensive research on safety hazards and precautions I can confidently say I am
more educated on hosting a musical event. I expect to gain responsibility from this
project. Not only will it be enjoyable and unique, it will be for a good cause since
proceeds are donated to help research fatal diseases and disorders.

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Getting people together to just simply enjoy music provided by local bands and buy art
made by the artists we all know and love from Santa Su is truly going to be a magical
experience.