The State-Of-The-Art Mixing Suite at Montgomery County Community College Unveiled to the Community

In December, AroundAmbler.com did a Spotlight Article on Montgomery County Community College’s Sound Recording and Music Technology Program and the state-of-the art mixing suite that was in mid-construction.

On May 1st, that mixing suite was unveiled to present and future donors, faculty, and interested members of the community.

The new suite, spear-headed by co-coordinators and professors of the Sound Recording and Technology program, David Ivory and Michael Kelly, is a world-class addition to the already robust curriculum and experience offered to students. It incorporates industry standard digital and analog equipment, making this a recording studio rivaling all like it on the East Coast, and also serving as a destination for major recording artists.

In addition to David Ivory and Michael Kelly who both spoke, the night kicked off with many other key speakers involved with the development and fruition of this endeavor like: Dr. Michele Cuomo, Dean of Arts and Humanities at Montgomery County College(MCCC), Dr. Kevin Pollock, President of MCCC, Mike Kelly, David Ivory, and more. Congressman and contributor, Tony Coelho (below) spoke about the determination of many who worked so hard to get this project completed in a short amount of time. He added:

…”This was all done within a year because of commitments and a desire to make a difference in the lives of thousands of students. The whole business of music is taught. Not many universities have what Montco has…”

Founding Studio members were acknowledged and their commitment recognized and commemorated with gold and silver framed records which will hang outside of the studio entrance.

The suite design was commissioned by the College and was created by John Storyk of the Walters-Storyk Design Group, who’s design resume includes: Electric Lady Studios for Hendrix, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jay Z Studios, NYU, and Alicia Keys Oven Studios in New York.

David Ivory demonstrated the level of sound and quality that the coveted SSL console that graces the recording suite can reach. The SSL is one of only 42 boards made worldwide.

Ivory used Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody to demonstrate all that the SSL Console could do. The definition of rhapsody is, ” Music. An instrumental composition irregular in form and suggestive of improvisation” and ” an effusively enthusiastic expression of feeling”. Ivory’s mixing demonstration was not only spontaneous and enthusiastic, but it left us all in awe of this incredible mixing suite and Sound Recording and Music Technology program that sits right in our backyard.