Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions pertaining to SFHS TEC, please see if an answer may be provided below. If your question is not addressed, please use the "Contact Us" link to e-mail your question(s).
Who may join TEC?
TEC is open to any interested student in grades 9 through 12. The purpose of the application is not to "weed out" students - all are welcome! Rather, the purpose of the application is to make sure that TEC will be a good fit for you in the broader scope of your high school experience. We want to avoid student burn-out!
Students are encouraged to join at the beginning of the school year so that the "core" team can be assembled and start gaining experience early on. It is possible, however, for students to join later during the year after talking with and getting approval from Mr. Black.
Do I need to have any previous experience?
No, you do not need to have had any previous experience in live production in order to apply. You will learn from the TEC advisor, more experienced students in TEC, and from spending time with the crew and being involved. The more you are involved, the faster you will learn. Obviously, students with more experience will be given more responsibility. However, opportunities to learn are abundant and an unexperienced student can become "experienced" very quickly.
Can I do TEC and be an IB student?
YES! TEC is an extra-curricular group, so it does not matter what path of study you are in. TEC gives you the opportunity to explore potential real-world career fields in live production through real-world expectations and experiences using real-world, state-of-the-art technologies and practices. You will find that TEC reinforces the IB Learner Profile in an applied setting. Additionally, as TEC serves not only the activities of the High School but other divisions as well, IB students can earn CAS credit for their involvement.
Can I do TEC and be on a sports team, drama cast, or extra-curricular activity?
YES! High school is a time to explore different activities and interests. Not only is it important to be well-rounded, but it is important to discover what areas and skills you may find particularly interesting - or areas you are particularly gifted in - as a means of finding potential university or career options. The only consequence of exploring "too much" is potential burn-out when stretched too thin - we want to avoid this! TEC is unique, though, in that it can fit into most schedules. See the answer to the following question for more details on commitment to TEC:
What is the time commitment?
TEC is unique in that students can be flexible with their time-commitment. Everyone must commit to a minimum of 1-day per week. IF taking part in athletics or a drama or music ensemble that will conflict, alternative arrangements can be made with Mr. Black so long as this is discussed ahead of time. Most events are contracted, and so students have the flexibility to choose to be a part of an event or not based on their availability.
Please note that being a part of TEC means that you will commit to contracting to either the HS Fall Play or the HS Musical or both. However, if you are interested in being involved in those events in the technical run crew, then you must be a member of TEC.
Historically, TEC is a close-knit group of students from each grade level. In creating and maintaining camaraderie, at least one relaxed, fun group activity is planned by the student leader(s) each month. All TEC members are highly encouraged to participate in these group activities.
TEC is open to any interested student in grades 9 through 12. The purpose of the application is not to "weed out" students - all are welcome! Rather, the purpose of the application is to make sure that TEC will be a good fit for you in the broader scope of your high school experience. We want to avoid student burn-out!
Students are encouraged to join at the beginning of the school year so that the "core" team can be assembled and start gaining experience early on. It is possible, however, for students to join later during the year after talking with and getting approval from Mr. Black.
Do I need to have any previous experience?
No, you do not need to have had any previous experience in live production in order to apply. You will learn from the TEC advisor, more experienced students in TEC, and from spending time with the crew and being involved. The more you are involved, the faster you will learn. Obviously, students with more experience will be given more responsibility. However, opportunities to learn are abundant and an unexperienced student can become "experienced" very quickly.
Can I do TEC and be an IB student?
YES! TEC is an extra-curricular group, so it does not matter what path of study you are in. TEC gives you the opportunity to explore potential real-world career fields in live production through real-world expectations and experiences using real-world, state-of-the-art technologies and practices. You will find that TEC reinforces the IB Learner Profile in an applied setting. Additionally, as TEC serves not only the activities of the High School but other divisions as well, IB students can earn CAS credit for their involvement.
Can I do TEC and be on a sports team, drama cast, or extra-curricular activity?
YES! High school is a time to explore different activities and interests. Not only is it important to be well-rounded, but it is important to discover what areas and skills you may find particularly interesting - or areas you are particularly gifted in - as a means of finding potential university or career options. The only consequence of exploring "too much" is potential burn-out when stretched too thin - we want to avoid this! TEC is unique, though, in that it can fit into most schedules. See the answer to the following question for more details on commitment to TEC:
What is the time commitment?
TEC is unique in that students can be flexible with their time-commitment. Everyone must commit to a minimum of 1-day per week. IF taking part in athletics or a drama or music ensemble that will conflict, alternative arrangements can be made with Mr. Black so long as this is discussed ahead of time. Most events are contracted, and so students have the flexibility to choose to be a part of an event or not based on their availability.
Please note that being a part of TEC means that you will commit to contracting to either the HS Fall Play or the HS Musical or both. However, if you are interested in being involved in those events in the technical run crew, then you must be a member of TEC.
Historically, TEC is a close-knit group of students from each grade level. In creating and maintaining camaraderie, at least one relaxed, fun group activity is planned by the student leader(s) each month. All TEC members are highly encouraged to participate in these group activities.