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In the same way that our shell panels direct sound on stage they can also direct sound in the auditorium. SECOA’s standard composite construction panel is an exceptional choice for use as an auditorium ceiling panel, or we can build a custom panel to meet your specifications. These panels can be configured and hung to meet any requirements. Acoustics in the house can be adjusted by changing the hanging angle of the auditorium panels.
What is an Orchestra Shell System?
- An orchestra shell is any combination of tower reflectors, and/or ceiling reflectors…if you have both towers and ceilings, it is the full system. It is possible to have ceilings but not towers, or vice versa, however, Orchestra Shells are most effective when used as a system.
- SECOA has two models of Orchestra Shells, the Maestro® and the Concerto®.
- The Maestro® is the most popular, it offers the best sound reflectance for your money. The Maestro® is available as towers or ceilings. Maestro® ceilings can be adapted for use either onstage or in the audience chamber.
- The Concerto® is a non-radiused, extremely portable tower that can fit through a standard doorway. The Concerto is only available as a tower. It can be mixed with Maestro® ceilings.
- Both models have multiple options for finishes.
Why do I want an Orchestra Shell System?
- The construction and the layout of the towers and ceilings reflects sound out to the audience, and also within the enclosure for the other performers. A brick-and-mortar rear wall is too far away, and does not reflect sound in the right kinds of ways. Sound travels into the side wings, and up into the fly space, and is lost from the audience and performers. Correctly placed hard panels, like in an Orchestra Shell, blend the sound for everyone in the space, and ensure that the sound is reflected appropriately.
The Maestro® is comprised of hard, radiused panels. It provides the best acoustics for your venue. The Maestro has more options for customization, if you are looking for a “showcase” shell, or have an acoustician that wants specific things from the shell’s sonic response.
- The Concerto® is made of hard, flat panels. The top adjusts within a range of angles, to help project sound outward instead of upward.
- Even if you have an existing orchestra shell similar to the Concerto, if it is more than 15 years old, your shell is made of materials that are not as hard as what the industry is requiring now, so sound may be passing through and you’re “playing to the soda machines backstage” instead of playing to your audience. It might be time to think about replacing the towers with something more reflective.
What are the options for the Maestro® Orchestra Shell?
- The standard surface treatments are painted, plastic laminate or domestic wood veneer. SECOA has found that almost all of the visual treatments that our customers have desired are able to be fulfilled from those three categories, but we can also do custom treatments if necessary. Low-sheen finishes are recommended.
Towers can be created with a square or tapered edge. Doors can be added to allow for access. The SECOA Tower Mover is a simple item to use, a minimal crew can store or reposition all of the Maestro towers in a reasonable amount of time. Our mover is the best in the industry, with a long life and strong, simple operation, and without any possibility of fluid leakage, or an unwieldy cord to deal with.
Maestro® ceilings are designed so that two people can rotate each ceiling into the play or storage position. The ceilings can be created with single, double or triple radius, as suits your space, visual and acoustical needs. The offstage edges can be built with a square or tapered edge, as best suits your layout. It is possible to add integrated lighting to illuminate your performers, and we always provide tip switches so that the lights will not accidentally turn on when the shell is in its storage position. SECOA can also provide the distribution for the lighting, if you do not have drop boxes to dedicate; and we can help integrate the lighting system with the ceiling lighting, if necessary.
Almost any configuration you can think of is no problem for the SECOA Maestro®. If you need a flying rear wall, or you want extremely tall towers...we have probably already created something similar and can offer pricing, or advice.
What are the options for the Concerto® Orchestra Shell?
How difficult is it to set up a Maestro® Orchestra Shell?
- Although the Maestro® shell appears much larger and more advanced than the Concerto orchestra shell, it can still be set up by two people. With one person to move the towers and one person to spot for obstructions, the Maestro® shell system (both towers and ceilings) can generally be set up in two hours.
How difficult is it to set up a Concerto® Orchestra Shell?
- Concerto® shell set up is easy and quick. Set-up requires two people, one to move the towers and one to spot for obstructions. A Concerto® shell system can usually be set up in less than an hour.
How expensive are Orchestra Shells?
- Orchestra shells are often less expensive than you might think. The increased acoustics, and the professional appearance will appeal to many groups, perhaps increasing your rental revenue, which helps offset the cost of the shell system.
How will an Orchestra Shell improve the acoustics of my space?
- Only an Acoustician can provide reports and percentages of the increased acoustics. SECOA’s shells have been tested by outside laboratories, and are comparable in every acoustical way to what the industry expects. To a layman, and even your seasoned audience member, a shell improves your acoustics dramatically. If you do not have an Acoustician working on your project, we can still help you determine a basic shell configuration, and help alert you to possible space concerns. SECOA is unique in the industry because we can help you alter your rigging system to support your ceilings, if you need adjustments. We can also provide the hardware to hang your Front-of-House Reflectors, we are a single source provider, unlike many of our competitors, who subcontract that work.
How will an Orchestra Shell improve the appearance of my space?
- There is nothing like an Orchestra Shell to “set the stage” for your audience. Seeing a shell will put them in the mood for your event, and let them know that they are in the presence of musicians that think professionally.
For more information about the system, please download our specifications and general drawings; or contact us directly with your notes and concerns.
SECOA is happy to help you determine your best course of action in choosing equipment, writing specifications to meet the project’s needs, review your current specification for industry standard and suitability to the project, and/or offer advice and clarification on theatrical equipment. We know that this is specialty equipment, you are not alone!
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