Behind the Soundboard: An Interview Spotlight with CJ

Recently, the chance was had for an interview with CJ Barnette, the audio production mentor for Reach and Teach. CJ brings real-world experience to the program, working full-time as an engineer and traveling with the band Get Sideways while also managing in-house production for Tin Roof Birmingham. His professional background gives students valuable insight into the entertainment industry and what it takes to succeed behind the scenes.

When asked how he first became involved with Reach and Teach, CJ explained that he was reached out to and invited to join the team. Since then, he said he has loved being a part of the organization. His excitement about the program reflects the positive impact Reach and Teach has not only on students, but also on mentors who get to share their passion.

CJ said the most special part of his role is seeing students’ reactions during live productions. He shared that his favorite moment is “getting to see the kids’ faces light up as the lights light up.” This response shows how rewarding it is to watch students experience the excitement of seeing all their hard work come together in a real show setting.

A typical day for CJ includes guiding students through the production process, helping them understand the effort it takes to put on a successful event. He described hearing students say, “This is too much work,” only for them to be completely happy and proud once they see the final show come together. This teaches students that success often requires patience, dedication, and teamwork.

When asked what he hopes students gain from the experience, CJ emphasized confidence. He wants students to leave with “the confidence to put on an event and have a good time doing it.” Confidence is one of the most valuable skills students can build, especially when learning in a hands-on environment.

CJ described Reach and Teach’s mission as inspiring students to get involved in the entertainment industry in any capacity they can. Whether students are interested in sound, lighting, stage management, or performance, the program gives them the chance to explore careers they may never have considered before.

Finally, CJ shared how Reach and Teach changed his perspective on education.

He explained that hands-on learning opportunities like this were exactly what he wished he had in high school. According to him, these experiences are invaluable because they teach practical skills in ways a traditional classroom often cannot.

Overall, CJ’s story shows how Reach and Teach is helping students grow through real-world experiences. With mentors like CJ, students are not only learning technical production skills but also confidence, teamwork, and the excitement of bringing an event to life.