Technical Services Freelance Staff

Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music Concert Management Office is seeking hourly temporary Audio Technician positions primarily for sound reinforcement, with video/lighting experience welcomed. Join a team supporting student, faculty, and guest musicians across five performance venues in Evanston.

Shifts occur evenings and weekends on a flexible schedule with access to a shared calendar. You will set up and operate sound systems, assist with staging and recording, and help ensure

Qualifications

• Experience working cooperatively with other engineers/technicians.
• Experience mixing live music as a front of house engineer.
• Preferred: experience with student staff in an academic environment.
• Preferred: ability to lead other engineers and work with jazz, classical and contemporary groups.

Responsibilities

• Set-up, set-change, and strike all necessary sound reinforcement equipment.
• Assist student crew and other CMO staff with general stage setup, stereo recording, etc. as needed.
• Operate a variety of mixing consoles and PA systems.

Skills

Teamwork

Live sound

FOH mixing

Tools

Mixing consoles

PA systems

Job description

Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music Concert Management Office is looking to fill hourly temporary Technician positions (primarily for sound reinforcement, but video/lighting experience is great). This is a great opportunity to work with excellent student, faculty, and guest musicians in the Bienen School’s 5 performance venues. We primarily present classical, jazz, and new music concerts, but also host lectures and other events.

Overview

• Represent the Concert Management Office (CMO), Bienen School of Music, and Northwestern University with professional-quality technical services support for performances and events held in Bienen School of Music performance venues.
• Proactively assist all performers, faculty, staff, guest artists, facility renters, and third-party vendors with their technical requirements.
• Ensure adherence to venue, Concert Management Office, Bienen School of Music, and Northwestern University policies and procedures.

Location

In-person shifts in Bienen School of Music performance venues—within the Ryan Center for the Musical Arts and Pick-Staiger Concert Hall—on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus.

Scheduling

Weekly hours vary considerably and are based on the school’s concert and event calendar. Shifts occur regularly in the evenings and weekends (and less frequently during the day throughout the week). Events are typically scheduled ahead of each academic quarter. Freelance staff are given access to a shared calendar and may request shifts in advance according to their availability.

Physical Requirements

Technical staff must be able to lift up to 70 pounds (32 kg).

Audio Technician Responsibilities

• Set-up, set-change, and strike all necessary sound reinforcement equipment.
• Assist student crew and other CMO staff with general stage setup, stereo recording, etc. as needed.
• Operate a variety of mixing consoles and PA systems.

Audio Technician Qualifications

• Experience working cooperatively with other engineers/technicians, regardless of experience.
• Experience mixing live music as a front of house engineer.

Audio Technician Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with student staff in an academic environment.
• Experience leading other engineers.
• Experience with small and large jazz ensembles, classical, and contemporary music.