For Purdue University’s production of Bright Star, I served as the A3, or band technician, overseeing all technical aspects related to the live band. My responsibilities ranged from miking instruments to managing quick instrument swaps between scenes, ensuring that every performer’s in-ear monitors (IEMs) were functioning, and optimizing the overall sound quality for a diverse range of instruments, including cello, double bass, viola, fiddle, drums, guitar, and banjo. For the fiddle and banjo, I used DPA 4099 condenser microphones that clipped securely to the instruments, allowing me to fine-tune their positioning for the most balanced sound possible. For the other instruments, I relied on high-quality condenser microphones, carefully placing each one to capture the nuances and warmth of the live performance.