Over the past few years, a surprising number of people on campus were still unaware that the University even had a radio station. However, this year, West Chesterʼs own WCUR 91.7, The Curve, is ready to change all that, and so far they are off to a good start. Fourty-four people crammed into the radio station on Sept. 13 for the new DJ training program run by WCURʼs training director, Katie OʼRourke. This is an eight-week program that meets every Monday night for a half hour. The training includes learning about FCC regulations and how to use the radio stationʼs equipment, such as the mixing board and turntables.
Also, every week trainees are required to spend at least one hour sitting in on other DJsʼ shows to gain more hands-on experience. Paul Miller, the Business Manager, is also running a training program for Off-Air Personnel, those who do not want to have a radio show but want to take part in underwriting and helping out with special events.
On Sept. 15, WCURʼs Open Mic Night took place at Goshen Hall. Forty to fifty people continually filtered in and out of the residence hallʼs back lobby to support the acoustic musicians who performed during the
course of the two-hour remote broadcast. According to general manager TJ Nicolaides, WCUR hopes to make the on-air “Live From the Dorms” open mics a monthly event, broadcastingfrom different dorms. Singers,
musicians, poets and other creative individuals are all welcome;
the next open mic night will take place in mid-October.
Special events coordinator, Jamie McCarthy said, “Weʼre planning on a lot this semester. Weʼre hoping to do a lot of remotebroadcasts to get the stationʼs name out, as well as the big local show at the end of November
or early December.” Although the idea is still inthe beginning stages, theshow will consist of local artists in the area who are willing to perform.
McCarthy also expresses interest in collaborating with other organizations
on campus to organize events, and says the station isalso aiming for abigger show in the spring featuring CMJ artists.
For more information, go to WCUR 91.7ʼs Web site at www.wcur.fm, or drop by the station in 237 Sykes Student Union.