With Pioneer Records Release Show, Students Acquire Authentic Industry Experience Monday, May 2, 2022
"Point Park's SAEM program gives students unique opportunities to grow their knowledge of the industry and network with industry professionals. At Point Park, we have access to incredible business connections, and the location allows students to pursue amazing opportunities that we wouldn't have anywhere else."
Concert giant Live Nation Entertainment reported earlier this year it expects a record year for 2022, with bookings up 30% at major venues compared to 2019 and ticket sales up 45% from this time period in 2019.
As the industry continues to bounce back from pandemic challenges, Point Park University's Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management program is laser-focused on providing students with the real-world experiences that will make them competitive candidates as they enter the job market.
Pioneer Records, a Point Park University-operated record label managed by the SAEM program, recently hosted its 2022 release show at Stage AE, with performances from this year's Pioneer Stars: The Kill Caesar Club, Cesca Violet and Tupelo Donovan. Jay R., an artist from Charlotte, North Carolina, opened the show. The annual show provides students with learning opportunities in artist development and management, marketing, public relations, advertising and music, film and event production, as they work directly with industry professionals along the way.
"Pioneer Records has enhanced my education at Point Park because I have gained hands-on experience in creating live events, leading a team, and it has encouraged me to just roll my sleeves up and work toward my goals," said Maddy Sedberry '22.
In the Q&A below, hear from students about how their involvement with Pioneer Records is preparing them for career success.
Maddy Sedberry '22 speaks at the Pioneer Records 2022 Release Show.
Maddy Sedberry '22
Pioneer Records role: Director of Operations
Major: SAEM
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.; Central Academy of Technology and Arts
Dream job: Touring Production Manager
How did you contribute to the production of this year's release show?
For this year's release show, I delegated tasks to our various department directors. For example, our talent and booking director, Abbey Russell, worked with the venue and artists in preparation and execution of the show. Our graphic design director, Olivia Davis, created the beautiful show graphics and artists logos for the event. Our marketing team put together a plan to promote the show, including setting up tabling events on campus and creating social media content. In addition to overseeing the execution of these tasks, I worked with our vendors at the event and wrote a script to serve as emcee.
What makes Point Park's SAEM program distinctive?
The number of women in the SAEM program is what makes Point Park so distinctive. Women make up less than half of the music industry, especially behind the scenes and in management positions. However, Point Park’s SAEM program has a significant number of hard-working women enrolled. Working with a team of all women directors and interns at Pioneer Records this year was the highlight of my college career. It is inspiring to know that we are ready to change the industry that we have already been able to work in because of Point Park.
Delaney Metikosh '24
Pioneer Records role: Marketing, PR & Social Media Intern
Major: SAEM
Minor: Public Relations & Advertising and Stage-Management
Hometown: Jefferson Hills, Pa.; Thomas Jefferson High School
Dream job: Talent agent for the theatre, music and film industries and/or the marketing and PR coordinator for the Pittsburgh Penguins or Pittsburgh CLO
How has Pioneer Records complemented the education you're receiving at Point Park?
Pioneer Records has allowed me to gain hands-on experience in the entertainment field outside of the classroom. We complete research projects that help us learn the main ideas of what goes into a concert or the overall business of live entertainment, but this program has truly brought these concepts into light for me. As I take over the position of director of marketing, PR and social media for the 2022-23 academic year, I feel I will be even more comfortable with how the entertainment world works based on what I've learned.
How has the SAEM program helped you clarify your career goals?
As a sophomore, I was unsure about what I wanted to do with my degree and what aspect of SAEM interested me the most. I came to Point Park wanting to only focus on theatre, but I did not know what career direction I could or wanted to take. Over the last two years, the SAEM program has opened my eyes to many possibilities for my future. I love that you have the opportunity to concentrate in either sports, arts or entertainment, but you also can take classes revolving around each segment of the industry. The SAEM program allows students to become well-rounded in all three worlds of entertainment.
@pointparku Another show in the books for our University record label, @ppupioneerrecs 🎵👏🥳 #livemusic #pointparku #pghismycampus #pittsburgh #supportlivemusic #pointparkuniversity #pgh @Stage AE ♬ As It Was - Harry Styles
Sandamini Sinley '24
Pioneer Records role: Graphic Design Intern; Incoming Director of Operations
Major: SAEM and Broadcasting
Hometown: Fort Collins, Co.; Fossil Ridge High School
Dream job: Artistic broadcaster
What does Pioneer Records add to your education?
It provides authentic and real-life scenarios that yield tangible results. Coursework can only do so much since most scenarios we are given are hypothetical, but getting the opportunity to interact with businesses such as Stage AE and Red Caiman Media before we graduate really helps us develop a realistic mindset for the field.
How does Point Park's SAEM program stand out from other universities?
I get this question often as an admissions tour guide for Point Park, and I always say the most prominent thing that makes this program special is the variety of industries the program invests in. Covering sports, arts and entertainment is not something that colleges often do or do so extensively. The faculty who teach and connect our students with careers in all fields take the SAEM program to the next level.
Abbey Russell '22
Pioneer Records role: Director of Talent & Booking
Major: SAEM
Hometown: Johnstown, Pa.; Greater Johnstown High School
Dream job: Tour management
How did you contribute to the production of this year's release show?
I worked directly with Stage AE to set up the show and plan the course of action for the day of the show. I worked with the artists to figure out their setlists and what kind of equipment and instruments they would need, and I created a timeline and run of show.
What makes Point Park's SAEM program distinctive?
Point Park's SAEM program gives students unique opportunities to grow their knowledge of the industry and network with industry professionals. At Point Park, we have access to incredible business connections, and the location allows students to pursue amazing opportunities that we wouldn't have anywhere else.