For many people, the radio is a convenient distraction that adds some color to daily routines. But for the students at Tandem Friends School, it’s their voice. Teaming with WNRN and Music Resource Center in the Radio Resource Project, the teens write, produce, and host a complete radio show, titled “30 Minute Throwdown,” from beginning to end. The show airs once a month WNRN and features music from local artists and recent graduates who are pounding away at the music scene.
The program is a collaborative effort designed to provide students with something they rarely get: A chance to experience real life. Every month, the group faces the same problems that professional broadcasters face, and they must develop their own solutions.
“The opportunity to participate in the Radio Resource Project has provided them [students] everything a good education ought to: meaningful, “real-world” learning,” Nura Yingling told the Music Resource Center.
Though they’re still in the learning stage, the participants are anything but amateur. The broadcasts are exceptionally polished and brimming with fresh content. Every second, from the rocking introduction to the last word, is a joy to experience. And this hasn’t gone unnoticed. Dave Benson, a seasoned pro of the radio industry, was extremely pleased with the product these young artists are creating, according to The Music Resource Center. Damani Harrison, the Project Coordinator, is so excited by the success of these students that plans to both continue and expand the broadcast to other schools are in the works. On Sunday, May 11 at 11:30am, a special live broadcast of the show (and the final for the 2013-14 season) will air on WNRN. —Logan Boggs
To hear previously aired segments of 30 Minute Throwdown please visit: http://www.wnrn.org/?s=30+Minute+Throwdown&x=38&y=15
WNRN can be heard on 91.9 in Charlottesville; 101.1 in Waynesboro and Staunton; 94.7 in Lovingston; 103.1 in Richmond; 89.9 in Lynchburg; and 95.3 in Lexington. WNRN also streams on-line: http://www.wnrn.org/