Are you looking for ways to keep alumni engaged, parents connected, and even local businesses interested in your school? Consider live streaming high school events that go beyond football games and basketball matches.
Yes, those Friday night lights are exciting, but the world of stream-worthy high school events is far richer and can be a goldmine for community engagement. You’re leaving untapped social capital (and perhaps revenue) on the table if you’re not broadcasting a broader range of activities.
Dive into this guide to discover the high school events that can be your next blockbuster streams. Let’s explore the opportunities that you’re missing.
Types of High School Events Worth Streaming
If you thought live streaming at schools was just for sports games, you’re in for a big surprise. From academic competitions to arts performances, and yes, even to sports and milestone ceremonies like graduation; each offers unique value and broad appeal to different segments of your school community.
Drama and Musical Performances
Don’t underestimate the power of the arts. School plays, musicals, and even individual performances in drama and music classes provide rich material for streaming.
These are not only entertaining but also show off the creativity and talent present in your student body. Plus, they offer a great way to bring the arts to people who might not otherwise have access to them. Streaming these types of events can help boost the profile of your school’s arts programs and potentially attract future students who are gifted in these areas. For these types of events, it’s important to understand copyright laws and obtain permission to stream them.
Special Assemblies
Another great candidate for live streaming is special assemblies. Whether it’s an award ceremony, a guest speaker, or an educational presentation, special assemblies are usually important events that deserve to be seen by a wider audience.
Parents, especially, appreciate the ability to tune in if they can’t make it in person. This allows them to stay involved in their children’s educational lives and reinforces the school-home connection. Also, special assemblies often feature significant moments in the school year that can be worth capturing and sharing.
Cultural Festivals and Celebrations
We also can’t forget about high school celebrations like cultural festivals. These events offer an explosion of color, sound, and experience that make for captivating streaming content. They showcase the diversity within your school community and allow viewers to learn about different cultures in a fun and engaging way.
Whether it’s a Lunar New Year celebration, a Diwali festival, or a Cinco de Mayo parade, these events bring together students, parents, and teachers in a show of unity and school spirit.
Academic Competitions
When you think of high school live streaming, sports often take center stage. However, academic competitions, ranging from debate championships to math Olympiads, offer compelling alternatives. These events captivate audiences by showcasing intellectual rigor, critical thinking skills, and the adrenaline rush of high-stakes competition.
Streaming these activities not only broadens your school’s appeal but also gives you an avenue to highlight educational excellence. With the right live streaming solutions, you can make these cerebral showdowns as thrilling to watch as any sports event.
Extracurricular Activities
Clubs and extracurricular activities often host events that are perfect for live streaming. Consider broadcasting a robotics club competition, a student council election, or a journalism workshop. These events can be both educational and exciting and offer something a little different from the norm.
Additionally, they can attract a specific audience interested in these niche activities. This can create opportunities for specialized sponsorships or partnerships.
Sports Events
While it may seem obvious, sports events are one of the most commonly streamed types of high school activities for a reason. Whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, soccer, or any other sport, the sense of excitement and competition these events bring is unmatched.
Live streaming platforms offer features like multiple camera angles, replays, and real-time statistics that make the experience more immersive. Plus, sports events are where school spirit often shines the brightest. Capturing that energy can do wonders for your community.
Graduation Ceremonies
Graduation is a significant milestone for students, families, and teachers alike. While it’s an event that usually happens only once a year, its importance can’t be understated.
Graduation ceremonies are not just about the act of receiving a diploma; they are a celebration of hard work, achievements, and the closing of one chapter with the excitement of a new one to begin. Live streaming this event ensures that everyone, including relatives who live far away or those who couldn’t make it due to other commitments, can partake in this joyous occasion.
School News Broadcasts
In today’s digital age, a school news broadcast offers a dynamic and interactive way to keep the school community informed. By live streaming these broadcasts, the school amplifies its reach and enables those who can’t be physically present to stay updated on news, achievements, and upcoming events.
Not only does it offer a more engaging experience than a traditional newsletter, but it also provides an opportunity for student journalism to shine. Key roles such as anchors, reporters, and technical crew offer hands-on experience in media production.
Talent Shows
Talent shows are the epitome of high school celebration, an event that unites the school community in a festive atmosphere. From singers and dancers to magicians and comedians, talent shows are a unique platform for students to display a wide range of skills.
The excitement doesn’t have to be confined to the walls of the school auditorium. By live streaming the talent show, the school can engage a broader audience, including family members who might be miles away or alumni reminiscing about their own high school days.
Art and Science Fairs
Art and science fairs serve as a confluence of creativity and analytical thought, bringing forth the diverse talents of the student body. These events offer an unparalleled platform for students to showcase their projects, be it a work of art or a scientific experiment.
Creative Event Ideas to Keep Your Audience Engaged
So, you’ve seen how live streaming traditional high school events can serve as a magnetic force to pull your community closer. But what if you could take that magnetism up a notch?
Beyond the obvious, there are several creative events that can make your live streams the talk of the town. Or at least the talk of the parent-teacher meetings.
Backstage Pass
Ever wondered what happens behind the curtains of a high school musical or before the kick-off of a big game? How about offering a live “Backstage Pass” to show the preparations, interviews with the performers or players, and the raw emotions that usually stay off the main stage? This exclusive peek into the backstage world can offer a different, intimate experience and add a layer of depth to the events you’re already streaming.
Virtual Field Trips
Field trips are a staple of the educational experience but are often limited to the students who can attend. Why not stream a virtual field trip that can open up the experience to the entire school community?
Imagine touring a local museum, factory, or natural wonder, led by a student host and enriched with interactive Q&A sessions. This not only educates but also adds a touch of adventure to your live stream lineup.
Speed Learning Challenges
It’s like speed dating but for educational topics. In a set amount of time, students or teachers present a quick lesson on a topic they’re passionate about, from the history of hip-hop to the basics of coding. These quick, focused learning bursts can be a fantastic way to showcase a wide array of talents and interests within your school and offer viewers an educational smorgasbord to pick from.
Cooking with the Cafeteria
The school cafeteria is often an overlooked space, but it’s the heart of daily life. Why not turn it into a live stream set for a cooking show? Whether it’s students learning how to make healthy snacks or the cafeteria staff sharing their top recipes, this can be a fun and educational addition to your live stream catalog.
The Nuts and Bolts of Live Streaming Events
So, you’re ready to make the leap into live streaming your school’s exciting events. You know what you want to stream, from football games and graduations to innovative events that keep your audience hooked. But how do you actually get your live stream up and running?
Let’s break down the essential elements that make a live stream successful, without the technical mumbo jumbo.
Equipment You’ll Need
First, let’s talk gear. To get started, you’ll need a high quality video camera and a tripods for keeping your shots steady. Good lighting is a must, and don’t forget about microphones to catch every cheer or dramatic line.
Internet Connection
An often overlooked aspect is your internet connection. A strong and stable Wi-Fi connection, or a hardwired ethernet connection, can make or break your live stream. No one wants to watch a video that keeps buffering or cutting out.
Platforms and Software
Now, you’ll need a place to host your live stream. This could be a social media site like Facebook or YouTube or a specialized live streaming service. Some platforms offer features like audience chat, multiple camera views, and more.
For a professional touch, consider software that allows you to switch between different camera angles, include captions, or even overlay graphics like your school’s logo.
Get the Word Out
Before you go live, make sure people know about it! Use school newsletters, social media, or good old-fashioned posters to promote your event. A well-timed announcement on your school’s PA system can also do wonders.
Test, Test, Test
You wouldn’t perform a play without rehearsals, and the same goes for live streaming. Run a few tests to make sure everything’s working as it should. This gives you time to sort out any hiccups before the big event.
Making It Accessible
Accessibility is key to making your live stream enjoyable for everyone. Think about including options like closed captioning or sign language interpreters. This not only makes your stream more inclusive but could also attract a wider audience.
Troubleshooting On-the-Fly
Even with meticulous planning, things can go wrong. Maybe the Wi-Fi starts acting up, or one of your cameras decides to take an unplanned break. Have a troubleshooting guide on hand for these situations, and designate someone who will tackle any issues that pop up.
Engaging Your Audience
While the event itself is the main attraction, audience engagement can add an extra layer of excitement. Invite viewers to comment, ask questions, or even participate in polls during the live stream. This turns passive viewers into active participants, creating a more vibrant experience for everyone involved.
Be the Bridge: Connect Your Community
By now, you understand the untapped potential of streaming diverse high school events; be it an academic decathlon, a spirited pep rally, or a moving choral performance. Streaming these events doesn’t have to be a tech nightmare. With the right tools and support, it can be a seamless experience that keeps your community connected and engaged.
Don’t let technical difficulties or poor streaming quality ruin these precious moments. WSN Live offers comprehensive solutions to make every stream an event you and your audience will rave about. Schedule a call with us today to take your school’s live streaming to a professional level.