and the District 39 Educational Foundation dedicated a new state-of-the-art recording studio for students Feb. 3. During the open house, WJHS student Jordan Xidas and his father, Stan, produced a guitar and vocal recording as a demo of the studio’s capabilities.
Funding for the studio was provided by the District 39 Educational Foundation’s Paul Tilley Music Fund, which was established by Cristina Tilley in memory of her husband.
“The recording studio seemed like the perfect way to honor Paul’s memory,” said Tilley. “He was an exceptionally creative person who loved music. I wanted to do something that would celebrate music and encourage our kids to express their creativity.”
The Foundation’s grant of approximately $15,000 covered the cost of the engineering console, computer equipment, keyboard, soundproofing, and a number of professional microphones designed specifically for individual recording tasks such as vocals and drums. The studio uses ProTools recording software, an advanced program that is also used at recording studios. The studio was equipped under the guidance of Steve Pont, a professional audio consultant who designs studios for music and advertising professionals. Stan Xidas, a District 39 parent, musician and contractor, donated his time and expertise to retrofit an unused office into a studio. Another District 39 parent, Tim Scherman, customized a studio window that directs the sound waves for optimum sound quality.
The dedication of the recording studio took place before the annual Youth Connection Battle of the Bands. The Youth Connection has been an enthusiastic supporter of the recording studio project from its inception and will be taking a leadership role in developing extracurricular uses for the studio.
