// Staff Bus — Audio & Sound Design

Making the Show Sound Right

Design the audio early, test it in the real environment, and know what to do when it fails.

Last updated July 2026
Sound Design Is Half the Show
  • The Stadium Is Not Your Band Room
  • Why the Audio Has to Lock Earlier Than You Think
  • What I Listen for From the Press Box

Primary articles

More about sound and electronics →

About the author

Dr. Ryan J. Williams designs competitive marching shows with the sound design written in from the start, and composes for electronic media.

What does the show sound like from the box?

Tell me what sounds fine in rehearsal, what disappears in the stadium, and what equipment you are working with.

Send me the audio problem →

Have another problem you're working on?

Tell me what is happening in your program. I read every submission. Questions that come up repeatedly may become future Staff Bus articles, videos, or resources.

On My Desk
On My Desk

I'm working on the pages I wish more programs kept with the sound cart: setup timelines, stadium test sheets, cue records, equipment inventories, and failure plans.

Tell me what keeps going wrong →