The Chronicle stops the presses- Play offers new twist on classic story
- Students create illustrations for Georgia Ports Authority
-
Graduate student channels classic horror in thesis film - Alumnus creates mobile gallery
- SCAD libraries hold artist’s book competition for students
- Griffis discusses development of Arthur legend
- Noted author speaks to students
- The Green Scene: 'We have a dream'
- Personnel File: New staff members join SCAD-Savannah
- SCAD hosts regional IDSA conference
- Titus Kaphar to speak at SCAD
- The Bee Line
- Women’s lacrosse sets records in Kennesaw State win
- Athlete Feats highlights for Feb. 22
- Baseball takes series from St. Thomas
- Women’s basketball wraps up second place in Florida Sun
- Athletics updates for Feb. 15
- Baseball off to best start in program’s history
- Big third period leads lacrosse team to victory
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
Trivial Pursuits
 SCAD Radio staffers strive for inclusive, independent scene
 Photo by Dane Sponberg Jon Penn (left) and Robert Timby devote hours to listening to new music in the SCAD Radio station, located on the first floor of Keys Hall. By Monique Bos Published: Friday, May 5, 2006 Robert Timby, music director of SCAD Radio, and Jon Penn, assistant music director, love what they do. “SCAD Radio has got to be the most enjoyable job I’ll ever have,” said Penn, a senior graphic design major. Like most staff members at the student-run Internet station, accessible at www.scadradio.org, Timby and Penn got their feet wet as DJs. Both also spent many late nights at the station, located on the first floor of Keys Hall, 516 Abercorn St., listening to new music on their own. “I’ve always listened to college radio in my hometown,” said Timby, a sophomore sound design major from Houston. “I knew I had to apply here.” SCAD Radio is carving out a niche as the source for alternative, college and independent rock in Savannah. “Our theory is if you can hear it somewhere else, then it probably doesn’t need to be played by us,” Timby said. “Really, the station was created to provide a diverse musical sound that is a reflection of the diverse, creative minds at SCAD,” Penn said. “But we try very hard not to fall into the elitist mindset that characterizes a lot of indie music.” One way they avoid being elitist is by inviting all interested students to join them in deciding what new songs receive the most airplay. At 9 p.m. Mondays, the music directors host listening committee meetings that are free and open to all SCAD students. The meetings take place in the radio station, and students who want to attend should call (912) 525-7101 to be let into Keys Hall. The group operates on a strictly democratic system. They listen to new CDs — the station receives an average of 40 a week, according to Penn — and vote on songs to add to the regular rotation list. “Last year’s music directors put the committee into place,” Timby said. “We kept it, because we feel that it’s a station for anyone who wants to listen, and this is a way to get more feedback.” The committee ensures that the station’s playlist isn’t just based on a few people’s preferences. “There’s stuff on regular rotation that we personally would not choose but other people really like,” Penn said. Songs that aren’t added to the rotation list may still see airtime. DJs can play their own selections every three to four songs. “They get to add their own flavor,” Penn said. “We want as much diverse music as possible.” Although students are 100 percent responsible for what’s played on the station, they are required to follow Federal Communications Commission regulations. For music aficionados, SCAD Radio provides a venue to hear the same cutting-edge music available in larger cities. “Our availability to new music, modern sounds and what’s shaping the future is really good,” Penn said. “Our music is on par with the newest, biggest sounds. There’s a large amount of interest in new music here.” The station also is reaching beyond the SCAD community. Local station Z102 is airing a SCAD Radio show Sundays, 11 p.m. - midnight. “It’s been on for 10 weeks now,” Timby said. “We just play a sample of what’s in rotation. The program director said we’ve been getting good feedback, and we’re having fun doing it.” “It’s the only hour of alternative college rock on FM” in Savannah, Penn added. In addition, SCAD Radio provides music for college events, such as Films in Forsyth April 20-22 and the Spring Blood Drive May 8 at Weston House. They also have hosted concerts at local venues such as the Sentient Bean. “The station is attempting to become unavoidable in the scheduling of any local acts,” Penn said. “We’re dedicated to local artists, to getting their music for the station and promoting their shows.” Students who want to become involved in the radio station can attend not only the Monday-night listening committee meetings, but also the station’s weekly meetings, held Fridays, 2 p.m., in the first-floor conference room in Keys Hall. In addition, the station is always training new DJs; applications are available on the station’s Web site or by e-mail at radiotraining@scadradio.org. “I think it’s a great opportunity to meet people or if you just want to listen to music,” Timby said. “We play a wealth of new, independent artists you wouldn’t hear other places.” Penn also encouraged other students to round out their college experience by becoming involved with the station. “I’m convinced that we do have a lot of really good-quality music that’s hidden underground and not exposed yet,” he said. “Everyone that works here gets along really well. It’s definitely something that I’ll remember from being in college — it’s made the experience much more interesting and fun.” |
|
|