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Sound

So there’s sound technicians, and there’s live sound technicians. Where the media version of this role works on films, in the studio and on TV sets, the live music sibling has a different job, which is amongst the most challenging in the profession. We have combined the roles  here at Treehouse Sessions, and our sound technicians need to relish the challenge of making live music and TV work – no retakes, no second chances – just delivering first time, every time.

Where does the volunteering take place?
The volunteering currently takes place at Treehouse Sessions’ current and original venue, at a secret location in a leafy suburb of Birmingham.
How many hours would I be expected to work?

There are volunteering positions with more sociable hours, but sound is a calling and the people you get to socialise with are probably those you want to be with anyway! There are long hours and often extremely hectic schedules, but that’s nothing to worry about if you’re making your favourite band tick, right? And, it’s only once a month for 10 months of the year.

How long would the volunteering last for?
We would expect you to be with us for 3 to 6 months. Most of our volunteers enjoy the vibe so much, they just want to stay… But that’s ok, that’s what family is for.
What sort of work would I be doing if I volunteered?
No showday is the same, and although we have schedules in place, our work is varied.  It very much depends on the artists we have on the current show you are volunteering at. Here is an overview of the duties you may be involved in but definitely training for. 
 

  • Reading artist spec sheets and liaising with the head of department on the best way of setting up to suit
  • Creating schematics of the sound layout as it changes
  • Learning to use the correct mics and micing techniques
  • setting up stage
  • Breaking down the stage
  • Stage management
  • Artist Liaison
  • Equipment and line checking
  • Front of house sound mixing
  • Broadcast mixing
  • Recording the sound stems in Logic X or Reaper Software
  • Cuing live sound and following cues from script
  • Communicating with 2 way radio to other sound crew and head of department
  • liaising with all other departments as necessary

Applicants will need to have at least a basic knowledge of Sound Engineering, some form of project management skills, be able to work as part of a team, have experience of running workshops, be able to work confidently in a wide variety of settings and communicate clearly and sensitively with a wide range of people. Applicants will also need to be punctual, have the ability to structure and prioritise own workload and work to deadlines and have good general IT skills preferably Reaper and Logic X and basics of IT networking. 

Can I list “Volunteer for Treehouse Sessions” on my CV during or afterwards?
You can indeed. Although we are a fully inclusive and welcome members from the whole community, our expectations are high and our long term selection will depend on a professional and mindful people who join us. Where appropriate we may possibly become one of your CV referees – which is a crucial part of advancing in Sound, film and TV – although this is in no way promised or guaranteed.

Is the volunteering paid in any way, or are expenses covered? Is there a job for me at the end of it?
For clarity, no payment is made to volunteers. Although on show day setup we do provide a meal and refreshments. It is hugely unlikely that we would create a permanent job for you at the end of your time volunteering, however, it may help in further employment including us on your C.V. 
Can I volunteer part-time for Treehouse, around my existing commitments/education?
Absolutely. You might need to be available for a longer period of time overall (it takes a while to train volunteers up in certain areas and as a result it’s not efficient for us to have people volunteer for short periods of time), but if selected you can certainly fit in volunteering for us around other commitments.

Would I need to sign anything to volunteer for Treehouse?
If selected you would have access to, and be handling, sensitive data and as a result you would need to sign a legally-binding confidentiality agreement before beginning to volunteer with us.

Please note due to demand we are unable to respond to unsuccessful applications.

Treehouse Sessions are bought to you by a dedicated crew of professionals from Rainbow Records & Creation Cafe. Have a listen to our other fabulous guest performers here.