Student Associations

Almost 700 students major in Audio Arts & Acoustics or enroll in the Department's courses each semester. These are diverse, talented, knowledgeable, and energetic individuals well worth getting to know. To facilitate that process, students have organized the following associations that allow you to work collaboratively with your peers, develop your skills, and explore options for your career.

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO STUDENT CHAPTER
OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA (ASA)
http://asa.aip.org

The Acoustical Society of America is a national organization dedicated to increasing the knowledge of acoustics, facilitate its dissemination, and promote its practical application. The AA&A student chapter of ASA is committed to helping students network, exchange information and ideas, and learn more about the world of acoustics at the local level. The chapter members are involved in activities like academic enrichment, professional development, resume building, technical presentations, and industry tours.

Meetings are held once a month, generally on a Thursday evening. Anyone interested in acoustics is welcome!

Past activities have included:

• Sponsored a seminar on sound localization and pitch perception by noted physicist, acoustician and author, Dr. Willam Hartmann (9/25/2009)
• Trip to Northwestern University's anechoic chamber
• Promotion of student participation in and presentations at the biannual ASA Conventions
• Invited speakers from industry

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO STUDENT SECTION
OF THE AUDIO ENGINEERING SOCIETY (AES)
http://www.aes.org

The Audio Engineering Society is the major professional society dedicated specifically to the audio profession. Members receive the monthly Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, where many scientific audio-related research and innovations are introduced, as well as advance notification of conventions, conferences, and local chapter meetings. AES members include professionals from all areas of audio including acoustics, sound contracting, recording, live sound reinforcement, research, design, film and video sound, multi-media, marketing of audio-related products, education, and more.

The Columbia College student section of the AES is committed to bringing together students with a mutual interest in audio technology. Through monthly meetings, students have the opportunity to meet with other audio students at all levels of study, thereby networking with future audio professionals. Any student enrolled at Columbia College with an interest in audio may attend the AES meetings, which often include guest speakers such as local professionals, industry leaders, and renowned innovators. Other possible monthly activities include critical listening sessions, student project presentations, equipment evaluations and comparisons, and facility tours.

The AES Student Section at our Department is currently under re-organization. Please contact the chair’s office if you are interested getting involved.

COLUMBIA GENERAL AUDIO GROUP (CGAG)

CGAG is formed for students by students. In addition to meeting your fellow majors, you can get involved in the audio community, help plan educational tours and sponsor events for the Department. CGAG meetings are scheduled as needed, depending on the group's current projects. Watch your email for meeting announcements!

Note: Until the Columbia College student section of the AES has been reorganized, CGAG also functions as the AA&A student liaison for AES.

Past activities have included:

• Sponsored an interactive seminar with Eddie Kramer, legendary producer, mixer and engineer for acts like The Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker, The Beatles, Kiss, Jimi Hendrix and many more (9/24/2009)
• Road trips to attend the annual Central Region Audio Engineering Society (AES) Student Summit in St. Louis
• Organization and promotion of a presentation by George Blood, President of Safe Sound Archive, that discussed a) best practices in the handling of analog magnetic recordings and b) findings on the actual accuracy of the data we get from analog-to-digital converters
• Planning and hosting of the Audio Arts & Acoustics Gallery as part of Manifest 2009 Urban Arts Festival
• Assistance with student portfolio showcases
• Promotion of student participation in the annual AES conference, last held in San Francisco (10/2008)