The coordinator of the Department of Audi Force, Jathin Krushinath Reddy, spoke to the APOGEE English Press about the kind of work APOGEE ’22 entailed for him and the department.

Audiforce mainly manages crowds during prof shows held during different fests. They are a group of 53 members who look into the smooth movement of people in and out of the venue during a show. They do this by checking for passes at the gate and scanning the QR codes on people’s tickets. They also regulate backstage entry by checking the various levels of passes that are distributed to BITSians. Additionally, they reserve seats for different departments in the Inauguration Ceremony and are entrusted with escorting the Chief Guest to their seat at each of these shows.

Most of their work for APOGEE is during the fest itself. Their only pre-fest work is familiarising themselves with the application and the process of scanning QR codes. 

When asked about problems Audiforce faces, Jathin mentioned that the shows generally do not start on time. Students tend to get impatient and blame the department members for the delay. He added that they rush through the gates and sometimes end up hurting each other. Audiforce also has to ensure that only allowed personnel enter the backstage area. Further, they have to ensure that banned substances do not enter the shows. ‘We also conduct regular checks at the gates to make sure no one enters the shows with alcohol or other intoxicants. If found in that state, we have the right to ask them to leave.’ Jathin stated. 

Jathin said that members of the department miss major chunks of the prof shows themselves as they have to regulate the crowd, which mostly involves standing outside the gates.

‘It’s really hard to coordinate between our department and others to make sure everything is under control. You learn to deal with people with both firmness and patience.’ Jathin said.  At the conclusion of the interview, he mentioned that he hopes to see all events run uninterrupted this APOGEE.