SUMMARY
Utilizing what I have learned through the MELE Program and self research, I chose to take on the role of "Engineer for Hire."

Early on in the semester, Professor Lagrimas sent me an email. The email was about a pre-COVID project that got put to the side: To record the Hawaii Youth Symphony Jazz Band. My first reaction was to decline. A big jazz band with out of school guests? At the time I had only recorded my classmates with well rehearsed methods. This was a whole new foe. 

I took a step back and reviewed it once again. It would be a unique opportunity that would not come by again. I should just say yes. 

Having agreed to record the HYS Jazz band, I also received another opportunity to record the 'Ūkēkē. I said yes to that too!

The first recording is of the 'Ūkēkē. The 'Ūkēkē is an indigenous Hawaiian string instrument. It is the only stringed instrument that is native to Hawaii. The 'Ūkēkē is an intimate instrument. The mouth of the player is the resonator. As a result, it is very quiet. This posed a challenge. I was now competing with all the other noises. The Air Conditioning, AC hum, door squeaks. Body movements. By utilizing proper mic placement, EQ and de noising plugins I was able to capture a usable recording that will be pitched to an HIFF film. 

After spending more time in the studio and researching, I was much more comfortable in my abilities. Dean Taba, the HYS Jazz director, had explained to me that it would be more of a learning experience for the students than a recording one, which was a bit relieving. I still wanted to try so that I would know what to improve on next time. This was the first time I have recorded a band this large and in a unique genre, so it was definitely a learning experience for both the HYS students and me. I was able to provide the HYS students with the experience of being in a recording studio, setting up and actually recording. I plan to listen to more Jazz and continue to refine the mix.