Voiceover artist and audio technician Chris Orbach recently spoke to fine arts students in Darlington's Middle School and Upper School, visiting Cinema, Concert Choir, Guitar, Journalism, Keyboard Musicianship, Music Theory, Theater Arts and Video Production classes.
Orbach presented on his experiences and what all he has learned since entering the audio engineering world 17 years ago. The artist also highlighted some of the more technical aspects of the job, and the importance of having a variety of skill sets from which today's voiceover artist must be able to pull.
Several students received the opportunity to work closely with Orbach and a special mobile audio recording unit that was brought down from his personal studio in New York.
"I got to do a voiceover recording as an announcer for a GEICO commercial," said junior Will Robertson. "I enjoyed this experience, and it presented me with an opportunity to see what [the] occupation is like."
Junior Julia Warren worked alongside Robertson on the same commercial spot in front of fellow students.
"I had to use a Southern belle accent which was very fun for me. Mr. Orbach made the experience feel like we were actually voice-recording actors," said Warren.
"I thought it was very fun to read scripts in different tones of voice and attitude," said eighth-grader Andy Brunt. "I was very intrigued by all of the equipment and how he could use it from his own home."
Orbach's visit to Darlington was made possible by the fine arts department's 21st Century Artist program, which is funded by the Carla and Leonard Wood Faculty Professional Development Endowment Award. The endowment was established to encourage and help fund outside experiences aimed at contributing to and enhancing the learning experiences of Darlington students and faculty/staff.
"I was impressed with our students' interest in the technological side of things and I feel that Chris' visit was a true representation of students needing to have experience in multiple aspects and skills for any career choice," said Kim Tunnell, director of fine arts. "This opportunity truly met the goal of the 21st Century Artist concept that the fine arts team was after when we applied for this grant."
"[Mr. Orbach] showed us the technology behind voice-recording," said senior Drew Finley. "He also gave pointers to me about voice-recording which was helpful because I want to be an actor and/or voice actor."
Chris Orbach has experienced a successful voiceover career while simultaneously working in the film and music industries. Chris is the son of the late "Law & Order" star Jerry Orbach and first wife Marta. For more information about Chris Orbach, click here.
Click here to view a gallery from Chris Orbach's visit to Darlington.
