Sound is all around us. When we go to restaurants or weddings, dance clubs or even the grocery store, there is always sound of some kind. Sometimes, we take it for granted, blocking it out as ambient noise as we go about our 
conversations or tasks. Other times, we revel in the noise, celebrating the notes, singing along to songs and feeling the bass thump against our bodies. Sounds help create memories, communicate ideas and emotions, and – for some – lead to a career.
Often, we stumble into a job that brings us incredible joy and a sense of purpose, while enriching the community around us. For Olympia’s Trevor Altman, that is how he found himself running the popular and professional Altman Audio. Trevor describes his work for Altman Audio as the best job in the world.
Trevor is the first to say he somewhat fell into starting Altman Audio. Trevor has always enjoyed music immensely, learning to play the guitar at age 12. It was around that time that he started volunteering at the Church of Living Water, where his curiosity helped him learn the ins and outs of mixing a live band. Throughout high school and community college, he continued following his interests with music, leaping into the industry when the first big opportunity presented itself.
“After getting my associate degree in business at SPSCC, I wanted something exciting so I got a job at the SHOWBOX in Seattle and learned all about setting up equipment and taking it down quickly before and after concerts,” shared Trevor. “It’s at this time that I decided I wanted to turn this into a career and got a job at Evergreen Christian Church as an audio technician. While there, they paid for me to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, where I learned a great deal about audio in general, live mixing and recording.”
With all of these skills and knowledge, the people around Trevor began to notice that he was quite good at what he was doing. And then Trevor stumbled into the creation of Altman Audio.
“A friend was getting married and knew that I enjoyed music, loved to dance and was charismatic on the microphone,” Trevor recalled. “They asked me to DJ and emcee their wedding, and if I could put together a decent sound system for them to use too. I asked them the age-old question – what’s your budget – and their budget for a wedding DJ was more than I was making in a week working two jobs.”
Inspired by an eclectic taste in music, from dubstep to Eric Clapton to Jimi Hendrix, Trevor’s ability to energize and entertain people with music is uncanny. Since that first wedding, Trevor and Altman Audio have provided music for more than 200 events around the region, helping him earn recognition for his hard work and professionalism. In 2015, he won a Best of South Sound Award, showing him just how much the community supported the work he was doing.
While his first job was at a friend’s wedding and he still does a lot of weddings each year, he has recently shown more of his skills to a wider market. In the past few years, Altman Audio has worked for several non-profits, with a focus on AUSA, where Trevor is on the board for the local Lacey chapter. Emceeing events for our men and women in arms has been a fun and rewarding experience for Trevor, something he is extremely proud of.
While Trevor loves to run events and help people celebrate, one of his favorite moments came in a much different atmosphere than at an event.
“When I first opened up Altman Audio’s studio in Olympia and began recording musicians, I had this little piano player who wanted to make a recording,” Trevor beamed. “She was six years old and she made a recording of her playing the piano to send to her grandparents and extended family for Christmas. Seeing her face light up when she heard her own music played in the recording, after I cleaned it up a bit, was so rewarding. Her listening to her own music was just pure joy.”
If you or someone you know needs Altman Audio at an event, the best way you can reach them is at AltmanAudio@yahoo.com or by checking out their Facebook page.
Trevor Altman is an inspiring Olympia local who is doing great things, but don’t take our word for it. Take his. “I get to play great music, dance, and be that charismatic voice that keeps the event upbeat and enjoyable,” Trevor says. “There’s nothing like seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces, getting hugs and a thank you after an event, and people telling me that they can’t wait to see me at the next party. If you do hire Altman Audio, know that we can’t wait to make your event memorable.”
