The AV club  is a vital part of the BHSA community. 

AV, which means Audio Visual, is led by Mr. Basile and meets every Thursday. As a club, members practice setting up cameras and tripods, editing footage, and going over show schedules. New members learn how to use the cameras and the gear that comes along with them. It’s tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. 

During shows, the AV club can be found in the concert aisles operating cameras, preserving memories from productions such as In Transit and the Winter and Spring Concerts so they can be enjoyed forever. AV is the only working club at Brooklyn Arts; this means you can count show hours as volunteer hours. In the AV club, each  member learns how to work efficiently and  trust each other. It’s a matter of teamwork and communication because during the show, it’s difficult to talk to each other. 

AV members get free tickets to shows, and usually we get a special look at dress rehearsals for the musicals. This perk allows us to re-film scenes and have better control over the edit. Club member Ash Greenwood says it’s all about “getting our school out there and showcasing what we can do. We can record and show the best parts of the students here. Their talents really show what our school is.”

It’s true! One of the best parts of AV club is seeing students doing what they love. Coming from an art major, seeing the performing arts is beyond impressive. These students spend everyday practicing for their performance. It was heartwarming to see the cast and crew of In Transit celebrate after their dress rehearsal. The love and work students put into their culminating events comes through in their enthusiastic performances. It’s the core of what BHSA is all about. 

Handling the AV responsibilities can be stressful at times, but with a number of people manning each camera, you will have plenty of time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. After filming the performance, the AV club’s work has just begun. Most of our efforts go toward the editing process after filming. We use Adobe After Effects, which is the gold standard in the editing industry. In the club, we learn how to switch between camera perspectives, cut the footage down, and make sure we pay special attention to solos during the performances. Knowing how to use Adobe After Effects is great for personal projects, and this skill also looks amazing on resumes and college applications.

Jules Robledo, a long time AV club member, also points out, “It’s an important skill to know how to edit. In general, kids always want to film something or have something for memories, and why not learn how to have it done nicely?”  If cameras, school performances, and community interest you, please stop by room 108 on Thursdays at 3:30! It’s never too late to join a club, and new members are always welcome.