John Griffin of Griffin Audio Media adjusts levels Monday morning as CSMS musicians and teacher Moulee Gupta prepare to perform in the new CSMS recording studio.

It was a moment years in the making.
 

Three Carl Sandburg Middle School musicians and their teacher, Moulee Gupta, recorded a song Monday morning inside their new recording studio while John Griffin of Griffin Audio Media in Grayslake recorded them from a mixing board in the next room.
 

And while the performance was not long, it was flawless - fitting for the first-ever recording done in the school’s new recording studio inside the Multimedia room. The recording was part of a presentation thanking The Grainger Foundation of Lake Forest for its generosity in helping fund the studio.
 

The District 75 STEAM Foundation Monday presented a plaque to Gloria Sinclair, senior vice president of The Grainger Foundation. Last year, the Foundation donated $10,000 to the District 75 STEAM Foundation for the project. School District 75 donated some in-kind work such as building walls, painting, and adding finishing touches.
 

But the studio wouldn’t have been possible without the help of donations like that from The Grainger Foundation.
 

“This is very exciting,” Sinclair said. “We’re so happy we could be a part of this project. We’re especially happy for the students who will have the opportunity to use the equipment and learn by using the latest technology.”

CSMS repurposed two classrooms and turned them into a functional television and audio recording studio. The Grainger Foundation’s gift was used primarily for the recording section of the studio. 
 

The high-end audio equipment will allow students to record music, create voice-overs, and a variety of other audio-related projects. Combined with new video equipment and a green screen, students will have access to the type of technology offered at Mundelein High School. They will use it to record musical performances, broadcast their weekly “Tiger Network News,” and record such programs as the annual school Spelling Bee. 

“This will provide a different communication experience for the kids within a school setting,” said CSMS Principal Mark Pilut. “We appreciate all your support. We’re excited for all the opportunities to come.”
 

The STEAM Foundation has sought out grants for the project over the last couple of years. The group previously received a donation from Medline, a local manufacturing company. Medline was also presented with a plaque for its donation. Now both plaques will hang on the wall inside the CSMS Multimedia Studio.

(From L-R) District 75 STEAM Foundation Director Nikki Earich, CSMS Principal Mark Pilut, The Grainger Foundation Sr. Vice President Gloria Sinclair, and STEAM Foundation Board Members Laure Heikes and Abby Blair gather at the CSMS Multimedia Studio Monday morning.