Fort Hayes Career Center (Columbus, OH, updated 25 February 2025)
- Instructor: Ryan Van Bibber (updated Feb 2025)
- Location: Columbus OH
- School Profile: Public High School Career Center, Grades 11-12
- Class Title(s): Audio Production I (11th Grade) and II (12th Grade)
- Grades Levels Included: 11-12
- Structure of NTM Class(es):
- One junior and one senior class
- Each class is 2.5 hours per day, five days per week, all year long
- Two-year career-technical education (CTE) program
- Seats: 25 per class (50 students total)
- Prerequisites: None
- This program draws students from 25 different high schools in Central Ohio, including Columbus City Schools, Upper Arlington City Schools, Westerville City Schools, and Grandview Heights City Schools
- ODEW course titles
- Audio Broadcast
- Musical Engineering
- Music Concept
- Business of Arts and Communications
- Software Used: Pro Tools Ultimate, Ableton Live Full Suite, Max for Live, Native Instrument Komplete Ultimate 13, iZotope Essentials, Unity, FMOD
- Hardware Used: MIDI Lab Stations: 27" iMac, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, MIDI keyboard controller, Ableton Push 2
o Studio: Mac Mini, Avid HDX, HD IO, C24, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, Nord Stage 3, Whisper Room isobooth, lots of mics, amps, etc. Theater: Midas M32, 12 Shure wireless mics, ETC lighting system with Ion Xe - Class NTM Activities:o The junior and senior Audio Production classes comprise a comprehensive, career-track program designed to give students in-depth, hands-on experience with industry standard gear and techniques. Students learn how to compose and produce electronic music, apply studio recording techniques, edit, mix, and master at a basic level. They also learn how to set up and run live sound for our campus theater, collaborating with actors, dancers, and musicians of many genres. Seniors have the opportunity to intern with local production companies, colleges, churches, and radio stations.
- History: The Audio Production program was developed and implemented by the principal of our school, Milton Ruffin, who is a musician and active recording artist. He modeled the recording studio on his own basement setup and purchased the first stations for the MIDI Lab. The program's first teacher, Brandon Matias, left after one year to pursue a songwriting career in Nashville. I was hired to carry the program forward. Since then, we have rebooted the MIDI Lab with 26 new iMacs, software, and other equipment. History update 2025: This program was first conceived by Dr. Milton Ruffin, the Principal and Director of the Fort Hayes MEC and implemented in 2010. He wanted students to gain skills that would enable them to participate in the music and media industries. Ryan Van Bibber has been the teacher since 2011.
- Success Stories from NTM Activities: Several of my students have interned with professional production companies. Our school, Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, which includes both Fort Hayes Career Center and Fort Hayes 9-12 Arts and Academic High School, was a 2012 Grammy Signature School Enterprise Award Winner, so we have one of those cool gramophone trophies! My students and I made the CD that showcased our diverse music program. Historical update 2025: The Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center, which includes both Fort Hayes Career Center and Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School, was a 2012 Grammy Signature School Enterprise Award winner. Fort Hayes is an Avid Learning Partner and many students have earned their Pro Tools 100-level certification. Fort Hayes is an Ableton Push Initiative school. Fort Hayes is a member of the Berklee City Music Network. Students routinely go on to a variety of colleges for production, including Ohio University, Bowling Green State University, Tri-C College, Hocking College, Belmont University, New York University, Berklee College of Music, and more. Alumni are frequently found working in studios and at live events throughout Central Ohio and beyond. Fort Hayes Audio Production is affiliated with Technology In Music Education (TI:ME), the Audio Engineering Society (AES), and We Make Noise (WMN).
- Advice to Others Starting NTM Project: I came from the world of traditional music education- I was a middle school band director for 10 years before diving into tech full-time. I have found that my classical training, combined with an open mind and a knack for adapting to the unknown make for a powerful combination. We must find a way to instill these same traits in our students. Creativity and flexibility must be paired with exacting demands and a relentless attention to detail. This is the future of music education and we are getting in on the ground floor! Ryan Van Bibber, 2025 I came from the world of traditional music education. I was a middle school band director for 10 years before diving into tech full-time. I have found that my classical training, combined with an open mind and a knack for adapting to the unknown make for a powerful combination. Additional Comments: Feel free to contact me at rvanbibber1@gmail if you'd like to learn more.
- Date Submitted: October 2012 (Updated by Wei Tzu Chiu, 2025 MTLA Intern, Feb 2025)