In 1999 WCSL launched a highly successful program, a free school program giving hundreds of California music students a chance to record a CD album with professional quality.  Taking a cue from the school photography industry, Owner Paul Doty thought "Why can't we bring the strength in numbers philosophy into the music classroom"  That original idea blossomed into a great program for our young musicians.

Basically how the program works in a nutshell;  WCSL rolls its equipment into a remote location (your school) and sets up a temporary full blown recording studio.  The students are guided through the recording process with highly skilled WCSL engineers and the schools own music directors.  The entire process usually takes between one to two days.  The recording usually takes place in the evening hours as they are the quietest.  A special event like a Spring Concert is also a great opportunity to capture a "live" performance.  The recording is a state of the art digital recording to a hard drive recorder using pro audio consoles and mics.  WCSL then masters the CD and duplicates it for the students.  The students are mailed the final product a few weeks later.

In 2004 we introduced the addition of video recording of the entire process.  Students can purchase a DVD of "The making of the CD".  Some teachers have also used this as an opportunity to put other school events on the DVD.  The DVD's are pro quality using digital wide screen image camera's.  We are very flexible and work with the instructor to produce the product the students will love.  The best part of the entire program is that it's free.  The students simply pay for the CD's and DVD's they want.  All other services are included.  We even offer a discounted package for students who purchase both CD and DVD.

Features of the WCSL recording program;

• IT'S FREE
• Students enjoy (in many cases) a once in a lifetime recording experience
• We often post photos from the sessions on this website
• Students work with real professional engineers
• Students are encouraged to have fun while recording their album
• Quality product
• Fast turn around time
• Students learn the recording process first hand
• CD's preserve your students ability at current level for a lifetime
• Did we mention...IT'S FREE

Here are some frequently asked questions about the program....

Q. How do we get involved with this program at our school?
A. Contact Paul Doty or Leslie Doty at WCSL by calling 209.522.4896 or emailing them by clicking on their names.

Q. How much do the CD's & DVD's cost?
A. Typically $20 per CD or DVD. This covers the cost of recording, duplication, tax, mailing, etc.  We also offer package discounts for the set .

Q. Do you make cassette tapes or VHS tapes?
A. No. We have moved away from these formats due to the overwhelming popularity and quality of CD & DVD.

Q. Will you travel to our school? It's a long ways from Modesto!
A. Yes. We service all of California. We are located in Modesto (Northern California) and Montrose (Southern California).

Q. What about schools in other states?
A. It can be done. If we can set your school up as an anchor date, often times with the help of the instructor, we can book other schools on the way to yours, thus making the project economical.  When we put our heads together with local instructors, we make things happen!

Q. Are there any additional costs?
A. No. WCSL picks up all of the other costs.

Q. How do you make any money doing this?
A. Quantity. It takes about 50 unit's for us to brake even on a school project. If we get orders above that, we're making money.  Recordings take place during the school week, our usual downtime. (Sound companies tend to work shows mostly on the weekends)

Q. What if we cant afford a CD for our child?
A. Let your music instructor know.  WCSL staff will buy your CD for you.  Every student who participates and wants a CD will get a CD. We make sure of it.

Q. How long does it take?
A. 1-3 days. recording usually take place during the evening hours.  It takes 2-3 weeks to master the CD, and 2-3 weeks to ship.  From recording to product in hand typically takes between 4&8 weeks.

Q. Will you record an event, like a Christmas concert?
A. Yes. Plays, church events, and dramas as well. Contact us for details.

Q. Why do you do this?
A. Our children are our future. We believe in training up the next generation of musicians and engineers.  Owners Paul & Leslie Doty work extensively with schools and children's drama.

Q. Will you mail a CD to my Grandmother in Alaska?
A. Yes. We will ship to any location in the US. No extra charge.

Q. How many CD's can we buy?
A. There is no limit to how many you can buy.  You may not buy in order to resale due to the copywrited nature of the material.  The CD's are provided as reference material to the students and their families.  You may give them to friends and family as gifts, however they are not for resale.

Q. How do we pay for our CD's?
A. Your instructor will give you a form that we supply. You return the form the week of the recording with a check, cash or credit card information.  We will collect the orders from your instructor each night of the recording.

Q. Can I pay late for my product if I forget or change my mind?
A. Yes. However we cannot guarantee a turn around time on late orders.  They typically go to the back of the production line.  You may mail your check after the fact to:

(Your school name) Recording project
c/o WCSL
1019 N. Emerald Ave. Ste. B
Modesto Ca. 95351

Q. Do you have any repeat customers?
A. Virtually all of our customers are repeat customers.  This program is so successful that almost every school that has participated has become multi-year clients.

Q. What schools are participating?
A. We have many high schools and Jr. Highs we are partnering with.  We also have full time clients that are choirs, churches, community theaters, etc.

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This Page Last updated on 02/13/08 06:38 PM by West Coast Sound & Light © 2002, 2008