Furthering its credentials in educational support, L-Acoustics has struck a partnership with SoundGirls, initiating an annual training grant programme to support the organisation’s mission to empower women in audio.
Following a thorough panel review of numerous applications submitted by SoundGirls members, the three recipients of L-Acoustics’ 2020 SoundGirls Training Grants are Carolina Antón (awarded the L-ISA Grant), Kim Watson (the Advanced Grant) and Eluned ‘El’ Ashwood (the Starter Grant).
‘We were overwhelmed by the interest and response that we received from the SoundGirls community regarding these training grants,’ says L-Acoustics Director of Education & Scientific Outreach, Etienne Corteel. ‘In addition to supplying their CVs, each candidate submitted two essays on why they were applying for these grants and how they would benefit from them. Although it was a challenge for the SoundGirls board to narrow down only three winners from such a well-qualified and deserving group, Carolina, Kim, and El all clearly demonstrated their drive and zeal for audio excellence and are, in our eyes, inspiring champions for diversity in this industry.’
Carolina Antón of Mexico City is the L-ISA Grant recipient, and will participate in a three-day L-ISA training curriculum covering one of two available tracks: System, for systems engineers, or Mixing, for mix engineers. Serving as an FOH and/or monitor engineer on more than 20 tours for artists including Kool & The Gang, Gloria Gaynor, Natalia Lafourcade, MexFutura, Mon Laferte, and Leon Larregui, Antón has passion and experience creating immersive live mixes and system designs.
As a system tech, monitor engineer and FOH engineer for two decades, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK-based Kim Watson is the recipient of the Advanced Grant and will complete the manufacturer’s Level 2 Variable Curvature Line Source (VCLS) and Loudspeaker System Calibration (LSC) modules. Having toured as a monitor engineer for The Subways and system fly tech for Blondie, Watson previously completed four modules from the Level 1 course to prepare her for Level 2 training as she progresses toward earning the K Systems Engineer (KSE) designation, following additional field work.
Recently completing the L-Acoustics Systems Fundamentals online session in July as part of her Starter Grant, Eluned Ashwood of Manchester, UK, will soon complete the Level 1 course and earn the official status of Systems Technician (ST) after attending her choice of two K Series modules (K1, K2, Kara, Kiva II). Ashwood’s resumé includes a broad range of festival tech gigs with SSE Audio Group and Wigwam Acoustics, numerous A2 roles at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre, and stage/PA tech work for Lionel Richie’s UK tour.
‘We are so excited to be working with L-Acoustics, recognised as one of the leaders in concert sound, to provide these grants to our members,’ says SoundGirls Co-Founder Karrie Keyes. ‘L-Acoustics is dedicated to innovation and design excellence and now a leader in helping to diversify the industry.’
‘It’s been our privilege to partner with the SoundGirls community by creating this annual grant program and taking an active step in helping fulfill their mission of educating and empowering women in audio,’ Corteel adds. ‘We’re proud of what each of our three new L-Acoustics family members have already accomplished so far, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements as they continue to make names for themselves in this wonderfully evolving business.’
