Left to right: DMI Studio/Production Manager Justin Boatman and DMI students Kimani Coleman (Jackson, Miss.), Garrett McDill (Sebastopol, Miss.), Chris Autry (Picayune, Miss.), and Devon Campbell (Chunky, Miss.). (Not pictured: Chris Samuels, New Orleans, La.; and Katye Mangialardi, Southaven, Miss.)Six entertainment industry majors from the Delta Music Institute (DMI) at Delta State University have been selected as team members for the 2018-19 DMI ProCo Crew as part of a hands-on learning opportunity in the DMI Entertainment Industry Studies program at DSU.
The DMI Production Crew is responsible for providing live sound reinforcement for campus and community events, including Pig Pickin’, the Front Porch Music Series at GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi, the Levitt AMP Music Series, and more.
“With the number of live music events on the rise within the entertainment industry, it is critical to have skilled sound technicians available to operate today’s digital audio equipment in venues both large and small. A musical artist presenting a professional show requires ‘behind the scenes’ personnel working to make sure all technical aspects go smoothly,” said DMI Director Tricia Walker. “The DMI’s production arm offers an excellent training ground for our students in this important area of the industry.”
Students apply for a position on the crew by successfully completing a number of audio courses in DMI, submitting resumes and applications, and going through an interview process with the DMI Studio/Production Manager, Justin Boatman.
“The students on the current crew are working very hard this year. They have had to work in extreme heat and cold temperatures and, at times, heavy rain during some events, but of course, the show must go on. They are really performing well, and I am very proud of the work they are doing,” said Boatman.
DMI senior Chris Autry commented, “My work with the DMI ProCo Crew has been an amazing experience that has allowed me to work with many diverse and talented acts. It has also given me real world experience for the future.”
