Amplified and Non-Amplified (High Volume) Sound Events
PSUAmphitheater, Sanford Mall, Duckpond Field
The following policies are applicable if your outdoor event includes sound that is either
amplified (public address, electric instruments, etc.) or may produce sound that may be
disruptive to academic classes in surround buildings.
To request permission for an Amplified/High Volume activity your organization must complete
a Request for Amplified Sound/Outside Area form, available in the Student Programs’ Office.
This request should be made to the Reservations Manager in the Department of Student
Programs at least 24 hours prior to the event. Final approval for requested sound usage will be
made by the Dean of Students. Use of sound amplification equipment must comply with the
Appalachian State University’s and the City of Boone’s noise regulations.
Requests for event space for the PSU Amphitheater, Sanford Mall, Durham Park and Duckpond
Field are made through the Department of Student Programs, except in the summer when
reservations are made through Conferences & Institutes.
Amplified Sound Events
Approval for an amplified sound request is based upon the following factors:
 Impact on surrounding academic classes.
 Impact on facilities & operations.
 Completion of necessary forms and obtainment of necessary approvals.
 Risk management of the event.
The duration of time for events requesting amplified sound on Sanford Mall and the PSU
Amphitheater is one hour. Only one hour per day of amplified sound is permitted on Sanford
Mall and at the PSU Amphitheater. The one hour per day allotted for amplified sound may
occur anytime during the day but not after 10pm. More than one hour is permissible on Friday
after 4pm on Sanford Mall and the PSU Amphitheater. Unlimited amplified sound is
permissible Friday at 4pm through Sunday at 10pm. Durham Park and Duckpond Field do not
have time duration restrictions, but amplified sound events must conclude by 10pm.
Non-Amplified (High Volume) Sound Events
Non-Amplified (High Volume) Sound Events that may not need approval from the Dean of
Students might include events where one person is singing and/or where a single acoustic
instrument, such as guitar, is used during the performance. These events must still receive a
reservation confirmation from the Department of Student Programs.
There is no time restriction for Non-Amplified/high Volume Sound Events, other than events
must end by 10pm.
Important
Although an event may not require amplified sound, the nature of the event (high volume) may
create a source of sound that would require the event to follow the guidelines for Amplified
Sound Events. Non-Amplified (High Volume) Sound Events that may require approval would
include events where there is audience participation singing, and where certain instruments
(drums, etc.) are used without amplification.
Duckpond Field Amplified Sound Events – Bands & DJs
Events with amplified sound scheduled for Duckpond Field may have a duration longer than one hour.
Before approval can be given for use of outside space for bands or DJs, the Department of Student
Programs must consider the possible risk management and liability issues associated with the proposed
event. As such, the following guidelines are in place to insure the event is effectively managed to
minimize potential harm to participants and to prevent damage to the physical surroundings. The
procedures are similar to those followed by the Department of Student Programs (APPS) for outdoor
events.
The Department of Student Programs does not provide staffing support or sound equipment (stages,
lights, sound amplification system, etc.) for Duckpond Field events.
For bands on the Duckpond field, the following guidelines must be met to secure a reservation:
 All amplified sound events must conclude by 10pm.
 A band event can not involve off-campus promoters.
 There can be no off-campus advertising of the event.
 No advance admission or on-site admission may be charged.
 No section of the field may be roped or sectioned off to prevent general usage of the Duckpond
Field area.
 No alcohol will be allowed at any Duckpond Field event.
Any requests for Bands/DJs on Duckpond Field must submit a completed Request for Duckpond Field
Band/DJ Event.
The following approvals or arrangements must be secured on the Request for Duckpond Field Band/DJ
Event before a reservation confirmation can be given for a Band or DJ to perform on the Duckpond Field
area:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Department of Student Programs. Signature required on the Request for Duckpond Field Band/DJ
Event form. Space availability must be confirmed through the Department of Student Programs.
[This is not a reservation confirmation for the event. This will determine if there are any scheduling
conflicts for the date you propose for your event.]
ASU Chief of Police. Signature required on the Request for Duckpond Field Band/DJ Event form.
Electrical Shop – Physical Plant. Workorder indicates that the Physical Plant will insure electrical
power outlets are operational at time of event.
Grounds – Physical Plant. Workorder indicates that additional waste disposal containers and trash
removal has been arranged. Note: The cost for this service is the responsibility of the sponsoring
organization. Damage to area may result in a fine for needed repair/maintenance work.
Staffing Plan Overview form for event supervision signed by organization’s advisor outlining
effective staffing measures to be taken during event to insure the safety of participants and the
enforcement of university policies pertinent to the event.
Request for Amplified Sound/Outside Area form approved and signed by the appropriate Student
Development representative.
Upon completion of these forms and their review by Student Programs representative, the request will be
approved or denied.