Vaughan Sound has integrated sound, lighting and AV as part of the final phase of the £22 million transformation of Morriston Comprehensive School.
Dated buildings at the 1,100-pupil establishment, which previously housed the assembly hall, main reception, offices and some classrooms, have been replaced.
Now, a brand new 21st century facility provides students and staff with a greatly enhanced learning and working environment.
Funded by a £15.3m grant from the Welsh Government and further support from the City and County of Swansea Council, the phased refurbishment of Morriston Comprehensive was completed in early January 2015, after the large-scale facelift had got underway in July 2012.
The upgrade is one of the major projects in the local authority’s QEd 2020 programme, which aims to ‘drive up standards and improve education environments’.
Appointed by main contractor Carillion, Vaughan Sound was tasked with delivering an impressive sound, lighting and AV package plus stage curtains and show relay/ring intercom systems for the new Performance Hall, as well as industry standard equipment throughout the Drama Studio, Recording Studio and Music Rooms.
Our initial work involved the provision of cable infrastructure and facility panels to the energy-efficient new build. The Recording Studio and Music Rooms then benefitted from a Presonus Studio Live audio mixer, Yamaha studio monitor speakers, and Audio Technica headphones, amongst other technology.
The Main Hall has been equipped with a Symetrix Jupiter 4 Digital Sound Processor and Yamaha loudspeakers to deliver quality audio throughout the space.
Meanwhile, a performance lighting package has also been integrated, comprising of a Zero 88 console and dimmers plus Selecon lights fitted to internally wired bars.
Along with stage curtains, including a cyclorama and chain weighted drapes – plus show relay, ring intercom and multimedia projection systems – the stage truly is set for striking school productions and local theatre groups.
The project was completed with the provision of communal microphones and induction loop systems in the Drama Studio and Main Hall, both of which are linked to the sound system.
Deputy Head, Peter Rees commented: “The range of equipment supplied and installed by Vaughan Sound is excellent.
“The superb sound and lighting in the Performance Hall in particular have been very well received by staff and students alike.
“It is a pleasure conducting assemblies in such a state-of-the-art space, whilst we also look forward to utilising the hall for performances later in the year.
“The new technology in the Recording Studio and Music Rooms will certainly enhance lessons and give students the invaluable experience of working with industry standard equipment.
“Overall, this element of the wider redevelopment project was completed on time and on budget.
“I cannot praise Vaughan Sound enough for the efficiency and professionalism of their staff and the quality of the installations.”