About Us

No matter what your boss tells you, feedback can actually ruin a good thing. So can wireless mic dropouts. Ditto for any number of other audio upsets. As a fine arts director aptly stated recently, "if the sound does not work the event is awful no matter how good the singing is." And that's what got Sound Dad Studios started. Too many times we watched great youth performances undermined by troublesome audio system issues. Finally, we said "enough" and dove in to see if we could make things a little better. It takes time and patience, but when kids really hear themselves on stage for the first time, the result can be magic. We live for those moments.

Our intent is to offer whatever assistance needed to get your system running well. That might mean simply assessing current equipment and helping you get the most out of it. Maybe you need to simply set frequencies on wireless systems in such a way as to avoid background interference. Or you need to set up in a location other than the school's PAC - or maybe that system is down and you need help setting up a temporary solution. We're also happy to help out with businesses, individuals, and organizations with sound engineering services as well as offering limited equipment rental.

Our Team

Bob LaPrade

Howdy. So why "Sound Dad"? My first dabbling in scholastic fine arts (as an adult) came about due to volunteering to help out with some audio issues with the Beck Back Stage junior high theater group. With experience playing in garage/bar bands in the past, running sound for multiple college bands, church, school functions, and as a music store employee renting/running audio equipment, I had enough knowledge to make a positive impact. The kids from that first production nicknamed me...

Sound Dad.

We're fortunate in our area to have tremendous resources available in our fine arts programs. Sometimes though, getting the gear to cooperate can be a challenge. We're even more fortunate to have so many exceptionally talented youth in equally strong programs with great faculty. My goal for this endeavor is to help as many programs as possible reach the point where no one pays attention to the sound... to keep the focus where it always should be - on the kids and their performance.

Joshua LaPrade

Although Josh is headed to the University of North Texas in August of 2023 to start the next leg of his vocal performance journey, he's been actively working on sound with us over the last couple of years. When he's home, you might see him helping out. He'll probably find more sound work at UNT as well so maybe we'll be expanding before too long up in Denton.

Sam LaPrade

As a recent Computer Science grad from the Colorado School of Mines, Sam helps out on the computing side of things (including this website!). As the most athletic one of the family, you might see him moving cases around for us when he's home.

Sue LaPrade

Anyone that knows us knows Sue is the heart of all we do. Any time you need us, all you need to do is let Sue know. She'll be happy to voluntell us!

The Rest of the Texas LaPrades...

You never know when you might see Zac or Ben or Jess or Mak or Bailey helping out....