[James Romeyn]

Man in the middle wearing requisite uniform for cool hipsters, the ubiquitous knit navy blue "sailor cap," possibly issued by Full Sail University.  "Head Covers for Cool Hipster Engineers" is well documented in Recording 1A class.

http://requestinfo.fullsail.edu/rabs/google-search?mncid=209&mnckeyword=pro%20tools&utm_source=google&utm_content=ra_3c&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=pro%20tools&utm_campaign=rabs-c&gclid=COjUtZWK07oCFceDQgodgHEAYg 

The instructor (standing) insures all student engineers have requisite cap covering their ears prior to any mixing assignment.  The man closest to the camera was sent back to cover more of his ears.   

[Mike Nomad]

Must be doing a rough mix of John Cage's 4'33"...

[Russell Dawkins]

Might be trying to emulate the anticipated listening environment and mix accordingly.

[James Romeyn]

I just discovered both students were also strongly disciplined for not texting during class assignment at the mixing board.  Students learn first day of class their hipster status is severely negatively impacted every moment they are not staring at their Smart phone, thumbs flaring.