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The Michigan Daily I michigandaily com I Thursday, February 16, 2012
BEATS BY 'U
Aspiring artists find opportunities at campus recording studios
Sean C'zarnecki -Daily Arts Writer
T he Duderstadt Center has something no other library
on campus can offer. Tucked behind tables full of engi-
neering students and a small army of computers, some
of the most technologically advanced recording studios inthe
world are available for students to capture the music they want
to create. Though the studios' many buttons and gadgets are
intimidating to the untrained eye, students can easily obtain
certification through a few courses the library offers. When
they're finished with their training, they can freely enter these
spaces.
Each studio is furbished with hardwood floors, and oddly
shaped boxes are strewn on the walls and ceiling for the prop-
er acoustics, though they might as well be surreal art pieces.
Complicated yet slick, the consoles look like pieces from "Star
Trek." At times, the studio almost seems luxuriously sci-fi.
If students want their sound to be compared to the work of
others, and maybe even be rewarded for their creativity, they
can enter a competition held by the University's record label,
Block M Records, whether they attend the School of Music,
Theatre & Dance, or another school or college at the 'U.'
As with most institutions invested in technology, Block M
Records and the Duderstadt recording studios are changing
with the times and fine-tuning their methods to stay at the top
of their game.
As Senior Public Services Manager Glenda Radine said of
the studios, "Technology is constantly changing. We try to stay
as up-to-date, if not ahead of the curve, on technology."
For musicians on campus, the technology in the Duderstadt
is not something to be taken for granted. There are very few
places that freely offer world-class studios like the ones found
in this colossal library. Now, that may be just good-ol' fash-
ioned Michigan boasting, but to step inside the actual studios
and witness them for yourself - whoa.
Keeping up with the world of recording
Since their construction; the studios have undergone con-
stant renovation. As a current staff member, Audio Resources
Media Consultant Rishi Daftuar works in these studios every
day and knows every nook and cranny. And as a recent 'U' alum,
he has had the pleasure of watching his old workspace trans-
form and expand.
According to Radine, the studios were rebuilt this summer,
See'U'BEATS, Page 4B
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- weekend essentials F
PERFORMANCE
Couldn't get tickets for "Spring Awakening"? Wondering
how you can get your musical theater fix this weekend?
The School of MT&D will present "Noises Off," a comedy
by Michael Frayn, tomorrow at 8 p.m. in the Lydia
Mendelssohn Theatre. This metatheatrical play, complete
with occasional sexual innuendos, is just the thing you need
to get those looming midterms off of your mind. From $10.
AT THE MIC
To commemorate Black History Month, the Kappa
Alpha Psi Fraternity will host a talent show in honor of
the winners of the organization's recent essay scholar-
ship contest tomorrow. The evening will feature spo-
ken word poetry, musical performances and a presen-
tation on black historical figures. The free event starts
at 7 p.m. in the Michigan Union Ballroom.
PERFORMANCE
Set some time aside this weekend and go to the ballet.
Random Dance, a company founded in 1992 by legend-
ary choreographer Wayne McGregor, will present its
signature blend of technology, 3-D architecture, virtual
dancers and electronic sound. McGregor's innovative
collaborations will be on stage at 8 p.m. in the Power
Center on Saturday. From $20.
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