Vaughan Sound installs performance sound & stage lighting systems at Croesyceiliog School

South Wales-based Vaughan Sound Installations Ltd has provided a replacement £30 million secondary school in Cwmbran with cutting-edge performance sound and stage lighting systems.

The new build Croesyceiliog School is a comprehensive with over 1,200 pupils aged 11-19. With match funding of £15m each from Torfaen County Borough Council and the Welsh Government, it has become one of the largest and most significant projects completed under the 21st Century Schools scheme.

As a specialist provider of integrated sound, communications, and audio-visual systems, Vaughan Sound Installations Ltd was appointed by main contractor, Kier Construction further to numerous previous successful collaborations across the UK.

This impressive, phased development saw the demolition of old, tired school buildings dating back to the 1950s. These have been replaced with a three-storey main building including a double-height assembly hall, drama studio, activity studio, and gym, alongside a learning resource centre, sports centre, and outdoor pitches.

Working closely with Kier and M&E contractor, Whitehead Building Services, Vaughan Sound Installations Ltd was tasked with the design, specification, supply, and installation of future-proof performance sound, stage lighting, and audio-visual systems befitting this contemporary educational institution.

Croesyceiliog School’s main hall has subsequently been equipped with an internally wired lighting bar and two over stage bars incorporating 15A dimmed and 13A non dimmed outlets, which power the DMX controlled light fittings. A range of Selecon luminaires have been installed; including fresnels, floods, LED parcans and profile zoom spots − offering great diversity and flexibility for educational and theatrical performances.

These are all controlled via an intuitive Zero 88 stage lighting console. Audio is provided via Electro-Voice 12” cabinet loudspeakers and a sub bass loudspeaker, with further in fill speakers flown in front of the stage. These are driven by a digital sound processor with control via a 20-channel Yamaha mixing desk located within a mobile equipment rack − offering the school portability and versatility, with cabling infrastructure and connection points also installed by Vaughan Sound Installations Ltd throughout the space.

A ceiling mounted, 6500 lumens NEC projector has been paired with a four-metre-wide retractable electric screen, allowing for vivid presentations, and accompanying visual effects during school events and performances. Discrete communication between staff/technicians and the stage is delivered using show relay and ring intercom systems, which utilise beltpack transmitters, headset microphones and dedicated cabling infrastructure and facility panels linking the hall with the drama studio (green) room. Vaughan Sound Installations Ltd also specified and installed the stage curtains − including the cyclorama, drapes, and track − as well as induction loop systems for the hard of hearing.

A standalone sound system was fitted within the Activity Studio, with a separate background music system distributing audio from a CD/MP3/USB player via recessed ceiling speakers in the Fitness Suite. The project was completed with the supply of instrument, vocal, and wireless microphones for use throughout Croesyceiliog School. Bespoke flightcases keep these safe and secure, while providing a central resource for staff, students, and members of the community using the performance spaces.