Re: 17pc orchestra inside hangar
I've been doing the "orchestra with band in a hangar" gig for years, and there are dozens of things to "watch out for".
Some tips:
1. Get your mains away from the stage as far as you can. I try to get at least 20' from the stage when I can. This may necessitate the addition of vocal fills for the front-center audience, depending upon your circumstances.
2. Get a plex drum shield and place it between the drums and the orch.
3. Add a monitor mix to two small speakers-on-sticks and place them on either side of the orchestra (about midpoint upstage). Those at the back of the orchestra are likely to need some hi hat (etc.) to help alleviate timing issues.
4. Don't worry about it being in an airplane hangar. It'll likely sound fine.
5. You don't want or need rock-n-roll volume levels. Try to mix in the low 90s.
6. If you have a way to get your main tops up in the air and pointed back down at the audience, do it. You need to get sound to the back without killing the people down front (who are very likely to be high-dollar sponsors and such.)
I hope the band is one who regularly does these type of events. If so they'll be used to the compromises necessary to make this a success.
If I can help further, let me know.
