We have heard from Derek Piorkowski, a May 2008 graduate of our Audio Engineering Technology program. Derek works as the monitor system technologist for Taylor Swift on her current concert tour.
What is the monitor system and why is the monitor system tech an important part of a performer’s crew? The monitors are the devices that let the performers hear what is going on. Early versions were speakers on state that faced diagonally toward the performer rather than outward toward the audience. Now, there are both external speakers and flesh-colored ear plugs, the latter especially useful to performers such as Madonna, who dance anywhere on the stage and need to hear the music they’re dancing to.
When the monitor system doesn’t work as expected, disaster can result—even leading to bad reviews for the performer and unsatisfied concert-goers. In one video of a Madonna show, the performer is shown backstage complaining that she can’t hear her cues and is having a hard time. Thus, on tours where the gross receipts of a single show can be in the millions of dollars, the ability of the monitor system tech can be crucial.
What is the monitor system and why is the monitor system tech an important part of a performer’s crew? The monitors are the devices that let the performers hear what is going on. Early versions were speakers on state that faced diagonally toward the performer rather than outward toward the audience. Now, there are both external speakers and flesh-colored ear plugs, the latter especially useful to performers such as Madonna, who dance anywhere on the stage and need to hear the music they’re dancing to.
When the monitor system doesn’t work as expected, disaster can result—even leading to bad reviews for the performer and unsatisfied concert-goers. In one video of a Madonna show, the performer is shown backstage complaining that she can’t hear her cues and is having a hard time. Thus, on tours where the gross receipts of a single show can be in the millions of dollars, the ability of the monitor system tech can be crucial.
Some of the equipment for Taylor Swift's concert, above waiting to be off-loaded, below covered from rain.
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