Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1259912
C A S Q U A R T E R L Y S P R I N G 2 0 2 0 65 Volo etur Iquatatio blacepr eprovid explit ulliquiae. Iquas autet. payoff these few years later is seeing these "kids" grow into great professionals. I told a lot of stories about my work and my life. Hopefully, I helped some of them avoid some of the pitfalls I had to endure. As I look back, I can see a thread where I was always teaching throughout my career. The SSL at Larrabee; the Local asked me to train single-camera mixers to mix in a multi- camera environment; teaching my producers and directors about sound every day on set; there is definitely a pattern here. How do you feel you have personally benefited from your participation in the CAS and other organizations? Did it help you professionally as a production mixer? We are an extraordinary group of professionals. We represent the only art that is not visible. (I suppose a chef might argue with this premise.) I find it amazing how quickly two sound people who are complete strangers have so much to discuss at first glance. I have a daily requirement to learn something new, and the benefits of being a member and an officer of the CAS has provided me with a vast knowledge base consisting of the many individuals and their experiences in our invisible world. I believe that we as sound professionals hold a place of respect by being a member of this organization. In my teaching career, this organization gave me credibility and respect from my "WE ARE AN EXTRAORDINARY GROUP OF PROFESSIONALS. WE REPRESENT THE ONLY ART THAT IS NOT VISIBLE. (I SUPPOSE A CHEF MIGHT ARGUE WITH THIS PREMISE.)" academic peers. I'm not sure if I ever received any work from my membership in the CAS, but I bet a fellow member has given me a recommendation without my knowledge. I think that as a professional, the wider your network, the better. It did and still does make me proud to be a member and see where this group has gone in the past 20 years. How does it feel to see so many whom you assisted and inspired pursue their dreams in sound? This business has been good to me. I am pleased to see future generations of people who are driven to work in this field. I try to be a positive example for my family, friends, coworkers, students, and my neighbors. I hope I have brought some light and some of my personal drive to succeed to help them in their pursuits. I never had any children of my own, but I feel the pride of a parent when I see their successes. Do you have any advice for others in the field? It is a new world with new rules. Be flexible. Be creative. I believe that we each can be or do anything we set our minds to, given the right drive and motivation. Our audience is very willing to trade quality for convenience. Try to find a balance that keeps you happy. CAS Board of Directors at the 55th CAS Awards ceremony. Peter Damski CAS (front row, far left).