DiGiCo's Innovation Transforms Worship and Arts Center
Delaware County Christian School in Pennsylvania is modernizing its production technologies at the Arthur and Nancy DeMoss Center for Worship and the Arts, with the installation of a new DiGiCo Quantum2 front-of-house mixing console. Overseen by Andre Houser of design, sales, and integration company Houser Audio, this renovation project includes upgrades to sound, lighting, video systems, stage extension, and cosmetic improvements.
"Our auditorium space hadn't been touched in over two decades, so the equipment was outdated," said Jacob Godino, the school's director of operations. The school, known simply as DC, is a Christian college preparatory school serving the greater Philadelphia area and completed the DeMoss Center for the 2000-2001 school year. The building houses a 554-seat auditorium, music and theater classrooms, individual practice rooms, and a multipurpose commons room, providing a comprehensive venue for the school's thriving performing arts program and world-renowned choir, the DC Knight Tones.
The renovation project is undergoing phased implementation, enabling the school to continue operations during construction. The first phase consists of a DiGiCo solution in a sound booth with 24 channels of Shure ULXD microphones, all new seats and flooring, and an upgraded lighting, speaker, and stage extension system expected this summer.
Replacing an antiquated console, the new DiGiCo desk brings a quantum leap in the auditorium's audio capabilities and sound quality. "Now we have this sleek, advanced, visually appealing DiGiCo console," said Godino. "Our students can work with industry-standard equipment."
According to Houser, the DiGiCo Quantum2 was the ideal choice for DC's theatrical requirements. Offering powerful processing and detailed scene automation, the console provides exact audio control essential for the school's complex productions. Its flexibility and effortless management of multiple audio sources make it suitable for both student performances and large-scale events hosted at the school.
The new multi-channel microphone system, integrated into the school's Dante network, has revolutionized production, allowing for a larger number of performers with superior sound quality. "We were limited by the number of microphones, but now we can expand cast sizes, and the performances sound excellent, even with our temporarily outdated speakers," said Godino.
In addition to musicals, plays, and band concerts, the new equipment will benefit the school's weekly events such as assemblies or chapel services. "My aim is to make things simple for students; with the click of a button, the set will adjust, and the microphones will be in the correct positions," said Godino. "The work upfront to program the console is worthwhile, as it handles everything we throw at it."
The new audio tools are already garnering recognition from the school's peers. DC, a member of The Cappies, a student-driven awards and review process, won an award for sound engineering after installing the DiGiCo and microphones. As upgrades continue this summer, students will have even more opportunities to utilize the advanced equipment and elevate their performance experience.
"With the installation of the new DiGiCo Quantum2 front-of-house mixing console, Delaware County Christian School's auditorium now features advanced technology that will enhance the sound quality for events like musicals, plays, band concerts, assemblies, and chapel services."
"The integrated multi-channel microphone system, coupled with industry-standard gadgets like the DiGiCo desk and Shure ULXD microphones, empowers the school to handle complex productions and large-scale features, providing a superior audio experience for students and visitors alike."
