Happy 5-Year Birthday to Varsity Sound Productions!
Happy Tuesday (April 11th) and Happy Birthday to Varsity Sound Productions which is turning 5 years old today! This has been such an amazing part of my life since 6th grade and I can’t believe how much this business has grown. One of the most frequent questions I get is “How’d you start DJing?” and I always give a quick answer explaining that “I DJed once and never stopped.” While that is true, it’s not the full story. This is.
Ever since I was little I always adored technology. I loved to play with computers and cameras and see what I could do with them. I was proudly the kid who would fix the Smart Board when the teacher was in need (picture 2). That passion for technology stemmed into something more when I started recording, editing, and posting, YouTube videos that I would create with my friends and family. Eventually, I would bring myself to buy a projector in the hopes of showing off my videos in addition to popular movies (picture 3). After I had been using the projector for a little while I realized I needed a new solution for sound. I had been working sound for a few months at Swanson (picture 4) and I felt confident enough to purchase some new speakers. So I did. As soon as I had received the speakers I was instantly reached out to by a neighbor who asked me if I would be interested in serving as a DJ at her going away party. I was hesitant at first, but I said yes. I showed up to the gig with my two new speakers, a cable to connect my phone to the speakers, and the YouTube app. Yes, I played directly from YouTube. I would try to think of a popular song, look it up, and then click on it as soon as the previous song ended. If an ad ever started to play I had to rush to turn down the volume, wait 5 seconds, skip the ad, and then turn the music back up. It was a horrible system but it got me through my first gig.
I went home that night with a smile on my face, proud of my work. I then soon decided to create a business out of this. I created TJ’s Technology Services (first event as TJ’s Technology Services; picture 5). I gave my business this name because I was unsure of where exactly I wanted to specialize in, so I kept it general. This name lasted me a few years and exactly 94 events until I finally decided it was time for a change. TJ’s Technology Services no longer suited my work, I needed a name that described my multi-faceted entertainment company that specializes in DJ and Sound work. For about three months I contemplated a few different names, I was never fully settled on any one until my dad, while ironing a shirt, had an idea. He immediately walked over to my room, opened the door, and said to me, “Varsity Sound Productions.” I loved it instantly.
Now, since September 2023 I have been working under the name Varsity Sound Productions and I’ve been trying to improve my business however I can. This includes opening a merch line, volunteering my services to the APS performing arts departments, and trying to involve myself in the community as much as possible. I’ve learned a lot in these last 5 years and I won’t stop now. I just can’t believe that a hobby of playing with computers would one day lead me to become who I am today.
I know that all of this wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for all the amazing support that I’ve received from everyone who’s ever given me advice, used my services, recommended me to a friend, or is just reading this. For that, I am (and will always be) immensely grateful.
Thank You So Much!
TJ Schultz