It has been just over a year since the pandemic has reached our shores and threw our lives into a tailspin that none of us could have predicted. Our health and well-being are a result of some many dedicated, passionate, and wonderful people working in jobs across healthcare, education, government, and a host of other industries. We are so immensely grateful for what these employees all continue to do in their respective jobs. Some of which are in jobs that had not even existed a year ago. One newly created job that springs to mind is the COVID-19 Marshall, what amazing employees they all are.
I noticed and was personally grateful for another new position that arose out of COVID-19. I am not sure what the exact job title is. The role may have existed before, but these employees are also doing their jobs well. They are helping us all get through these times.
I am referring to what we might call the Virtual Sporting Event Live Sound Digital Effects Specialist. (Virtual SELSDES for short). You probably know this job. It is the person who does the sound effects and makes it feel like you are watching a live sporting event with a rip-roarin’ crowd at it when they are not.
I just love how they throw in the cheering when there is a good play, and a bit of silence in the virtual stands when the opposition scores on the home field. I think it’s cool how they toss in the sound for the cheerleaders from time to time. Chanting, “Dee-fence, Dee-fence, Dee-fence!” I think it’s great how they have the announcer introducing players, with the cheering sound turned up when the leading scorer hustles out onto that empty basketball court.
Yes, indeed. I have to say that it has been much more pleasurable having my sporting event of choice auditorily tricked up so it provides greater realism. I am sure other armchair sports fans would equally agree. With that said, we sure hope we will get back to being at all live events soon.
Well, here is to all the Virtual Sporting Event Live Sound Digital Effects Specialists. Love your work, while you have it.