My name is Jess Makler. I’m a live sound engineer, stagehand, graphic designer, and passionate music discoverer.
I’ve dabbled in a lot of different mediums- I enjoy work where I can be both creative and active. I am passionate about sound design, festival and event production, foley art, audiobooks, film sound, mixing and music composition.
In my free time, you can catch me recording weird sounds in the city for future music projects (check out my work with self check outs on my debut album, Bravo Zulu!), writing UNSLUMP!, a monthly music recommendation newsletter, and practicing roller derby!
In 2022, I graduated magna cum laude from George Washington University with a B.A. in Journalism, minor in Music and concentration in Audio Engineering. In my studies, I’ve developed skills in signal flow, audio mixing and mastering, and original composition.
A/V Technician - Live Oak Audio Visual
Pulls, stages, loads, delivers, tests, and strikes equipment at client venues
Operates equipment during live events
Utilizes knowledge of presentation software, microphones, speakers, video screens/monitors, projectors, recording equipment, cabling, and mixing boards
Works in a variety of environments including hotels, restaurants, event spaces, concerts, sporting events, meetings and conventions, and news conferences
A/V Equipment Operator - Smithsonian Institution
Produced and edited audiovisual media.
Transported, set up, configured, operated, and broke-down audio-visual, telecommunications, and support equipment, including audio mixers, speakers, microphones, wireless audio systems, video cameras, camera controllers, tripods, lights, broadcast equipment, projectors, projection screens, assistive devices, media playback systems, virtual event technologies, staging, drapery, and more.
Freelance Composer and Sound Designer
Composed and mixed music for the Corcoran School’s promotional video materials.
Composed and performed original music for Flashpoint in conjunction with Selkie Theatre and WDIY.
Check out more of my work on the Audio page.
Production Assistant - 2023 Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Supported artist advancing, Festival venues, and stage crews as well as coordinates stage plots and performer information before and during the Festival.
Coordinated stage schedules, rehearsals, sound checks, backline, and accessibility services.
Created tech books and liaisons between additional production support as needed in pre-production, day of Festival, and post-production.
Audio Operator, Sinclair Broadcast Group
Operated audio board, sets proper audio levels for live newscasts, taped programs, commercials, promos and other on-air material.
Managed audio within a live broadcast, including mic sources and IFBs
Operated robotic studio cameras, jib camera, teleprompter, audio and graphics (PowerWall).
A2, DC9 Nightclub
Shadowed live sound engineer at the sound board
Assisted in setup for live performances including mic placement, patching and sound check.
Operations Associate, The Anthem
Assisted in House Operations for the 6,000 capacity venue.
Sound Technician, Corcoran School of the Arts and Design
Managed and maintained a quality, productive facility for students in the Music program.
Assisted student musicians and composers with Ableton Live software, mixing and equalizing tracks.
Improved digital signal flow in studio facilities, mentors budding musicians.
Music Programming Intern for the Village and the Bridge on Sirius XM
Corrected metadata, edited audio, worked with music scheduling software (Music Master/Powergold) and assisted with database creation and maintenance.
Assembled promo pieces.
Created Audiograms for social media.
Edited interviews and liners for Sirius XM.
Contributor / Photographer / Editorial Intern at Brightest Young Things
Reported on DC-based music scene and food culture.
Reviewed movies for magazine audience.
Gathered weekly news and places of interest for an audience of 56k+.