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New Sound System in the SanctuaryDear People of Grace, As I write, there are hydraulic lifts and sound technicians in the sanctuary installing and testing new speakers. Grace is embarking on a comprehensive upgrade to our sanctuary sound system, which has served us since the building was originally constructed in 2003. Over the past two decades, the original equipment has reached the end of its functional life, resulting in "dead zones" and inconsistent coverage that make it difficult for many parishioners to fully engage in worship. A year ago, the Vestry tasked Dan Rohan, our Place for Grace Minister, with the project of securing a new sound system. He assembled an A-Team of collaborators- Elizabeth Cromwell, Rhonda Peacock, Richard Rosenthal, Kim Thompson, and Luke Yoder. Together, they have labored in love, volunteering many hours of time discerning the criteria for our request for proposals (RFP), and garnering and vetting 5 different proposals. The team's priority was preserving the aesthetic integrity of our worship space, while also achieving the best possible sound, at the best price. The proposals had to also include an upgraded hearing assist system and local technical support. The team, with Vestry approval, decided to engage a local company, Viation, to install a modern solution designed for exceptional clarity and natural, intelligible sound. Dan writes: "The new system features high-performance 1-Sound coaxial loudspeakers with custom finishes designed to blend seamlessly into our unique sanctuary architecture. Key highlights include professional Sennheiser digital wireless microphones, a state-of-the-art Williams AV assisted listening system that is fully ADA-compliant, and advanced digital processing to better balance our diverse musical and liturgical elements." The Vestry has determined that funds for this upgrade will be taken from Webster Fund. Kate Webster, one of the founders of Grace, generously gave the money that her family eventually designated for the care and upgrade of our parish facilities. We are deeply grateful that the Webster family has made this possible. The new sound system will be in place for worship this Sunday. Sound technicians will be on hand for the next few Sundays working the kinks out of the system. We hope to celebrate the new system with a mini-concert after church on February 22. Come and check out the new sound! See you in church, Rev. Eric
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