Screens. Whether used for binge-watching your favorite series or skimming through any website, screens are a big part of our lives. But behind the eye-catching thumbnails and well-structured web page, there is someone who works to design to our appeal. Luckily for students at SMHS, there’s a class for that.

Run by Jack Moore, the AV tech class teaches students everything from Audio/video concepts to applications using media resources. With about 100 students enlisted each year, those in AV use this knowledge to produce numerous videos and class projects using the technology in the Broadcast studio. Some students also get the chance to do location shoots for district and High School programs. 

Mr. Moore has taught this class for 5 years, offering opportunities for students in the field of audio/ video production. Before this, he used the same skills he teaches in class in separate careers. Mr. Moore thinks back, “I worked as a cameraman and editing engineer for Channel 10 in Lafayette, LA, decades ago. More recently, I helped a friend who is an artist/sculptor by writing, shooting, editing, and distributing Promotional YouTube “shorts”  to highlight his work.”

Having some of the state’s most sophisticated mid-level broadcasting equipment and a multi-million facility that offers a control room Broadcast Studio, and remote broadcast equipment for on-location media projects, students gain opportunities in AV tech that many other schools fail to give. As for AV tech’s role in our school, Mr. Moore says, “We are here to collaborate with students, teachers, administrators, and community members to explore the possibilities of using the studio as a production house with messaging and media to create change.”

As for success, AV tech has a passing rate of 97%, and some students even get jobs in the A/V industry and work for the top A/V firm in the central Texas industry. Above all that, Mr. Moore strives to be sure his students are engaged in passion projects and self-motivated for success.