The future of the music industry was right here, folks! Some of the coolest and most talented high schoolers from across the country traveled to Nashville to participate in the June 2021 Blackbird Academy summer camp.
On Day 1, they dove in headfirst with studio orientation. Instructors Jeremy Cottrell and Aaron Shaffer covered some of their favorite gear and how to set up the studio for a session. Campers also got a crash course in outboard gear and what mics are best used for different scenarios.
Day 2 was recording day, with Studio A as home base! Campers had the pleasure of hosting artist Jonell Mosser for a morning recording session, and in the afternoon, they had the opportunity to form their own camp band. In true Blackbird fashion, campers first recorded a cover of “Hey Jude,” and then they spent some time creating their spin on The Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction” and One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful.”
Day 3 was all about overdubs and mixing! The campers spent time in Studio E and Studio F doing overdubs and mixing their work from the day before. They also experienced using the best of both old and new technology working on Studio E’s recently updated c. 1976 Neve 8058 console and Studio F’s new SSL ORIGIN (serial no. 1).
This group came so far in the short time they were with us, and we’re so excited for them to apply what they learned here to their creative pursuits at home!
Thank you to Adyn (AR), Anna (NC), Benjamin (SC), Daniel (TN), Grant (TX), Jack (MI), Kaden (GA), Milo (TN), Noah (TN), Owen (IL), Ryan (OH), and Ty (OH) for joining us this week! Keep up with The Blackbird Academy on Instagram and Facebook, check out more camp photos on Flickr, and be sure to apply for our Live Sound program and Studio Engineering program after high school graduation.
It was a great week, and we can’t wait for the other summer 2021 camp sessions, which have already sold out! Mark your calendars – Summer 2022 dates will be announced on February 1. Until then, keep up with us on The Blackbird Academy High School Recording Summer Camps Facebook page!
