The Audio Engineering Society Educational Foundation (AESEF) has announced the establishment of the Larry Estrin AESEF Scholarship Fund honoring the legacy of Laurence H. “Larry” Estrin, a respected pro audio industry innovator who introduced numerous engineering advancements in wireless RF technology, broadcast production and live sound. Estrin founded event production firm Best Audio, co-founded Hollywood Sound Systems, was a consultant for many top industry companies and coordinated the audio production for the Olympics, the Super Bowl and dozens of high-profile events and installations.
Estrin was a long-time AES member who began his audio career as Don Ho’s road manager in the ‘60s. He went on to run Hollywood Sound and The Filmways Audio Group before founding Best Audio in the ‘80s and did consulting work for Audio-Technica, Bose Corporation, JBL Professional, Shure, Yamaha of America and others. Estrin handled the first-ever multi-satellite concert broadcast, Elvis’ 1972 TV special Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite, pioneered the use of wireless mics on NFL referees in 1974 and coordinated the first stereo broadcasts of the Academy Awards and the Grammy® Awards. In 1976 he initiated the use of rolling audio speaker carts to streamline production at the Super Bowl.
Estrin developed the first remote audio mobile unit designed exclusively for television production. His numerous additional engineering innovations include establishing the standards for the dual/redundant/diverse path physical backbone wired and wireless communications in support of events such as the Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, the U.S. presidential debates and many other global events. Estrin was awarded the Certificate of Esteem from the Department of Defense, the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal, the Industrial Show Sound Designer of the Year Award, a Platinum record from The Recording Academy® and many additional accolades. He has more than 1,000 TV and film credits.
“Larry was truly an industry giant whose contributions remain remarkably influential and helped shape the broadcast and live production industries as we know them today,” said Don Puluse, President of the AES Educational Foundation. “This scholarship will encourage even further creative thinking and innovation from today’s students as they pursue their educational paths to become tomorrow’s industry leaders.”
The Audio Engineering Society Educational Foundation, through efforts like the Larry Estrin AESEF Scholarship Fund, is dedicated to encouraging the entry of talented students into the profession of audio engineering. Since its establishment in 1984, the Foundation has awarded grants for graduate studies to hundreds of exceptional applicants worldwide, many of who have gone on to prominent and successful careers in the industry. The Larry Estrin AESEF Scholarship Fund will be offered annually in the amount of $5,000. Graduate students who are AES members may apply, with preference given to those with a demonstrated commitment to audio engineering in the broadcast industry or related field with advanced studies in RF technology or communications and broadcast production.
Applications are accepted from students worldwide. All applicants are required to have met these criteria:
• The successful completion of an undergraduate degree program (typically four years) at a recognized college or university
• A demonstrated commitment to audio engineering (or a related field) as a career choice
• Acceptance or a pending application for graduate studies leading to a masters or higher degree, or an internationally recognized equivalent
• Be a member in good standing of the Audio Engineering Society (any membership grade qualifies)
Awards are made annually, in August, and a recipient may apply for one-time renewal after the successful completion of at least one year of graduate studies. Payment will be sent directly to the graduate school on behalf of the student's tuition account.
Completed applications and renewal requests will be accepted at the Foundation offices from March 15, but not later than May 15. Receipt of applications will be acknowledged following the May 15 deadline.
The applicant will be responsible for submitting a complete application package, which includes two current letters of recommendation.
For more information and additional details on how to apply, visit aes.org/education/foundation.
