October 2011
Up for Arts and BBC Radio Merseyside host monthly events both within and outside of the station. These range from free photography courses to activity days and are usually linked to a monthly theme. We will be hosting an art event at Aintree University Hospital and we (Helen & I) head down to the hospital for a planning meeting. It is agreed that we will host an art day within the hospital that patients, visitors, etc can attend.
As we had already visited the hospital to test if it would be suitable for a live broadcast, today was primarily concerned with planning the actual logistics of the event.
It took a while for us to agree on the theme as there were many considerations and it was very apparent to me that planning of such events is not straightforward and planning meetings such as the one held today are crucial to the overall success of the event. Following discussions with all parties, we decided that we would invite people to paint their own design onto a cardboard leaf which will then be made into a piece of artwork that will go on display in the hospital. The date, time and venue were also confirmed and we could now concentrate on promoting the event both through promotional material within the hospital and through radio broadcasts to ensure a good attendence.
Off to Aintree with a big bag
September 2011
Today involved transporting all of the required transmission equipment to Aintree Hospital to ensure it was all working correctly in anticipation of a live transmission of a forthcoming event. The weather was absolutely atrocious and it was no mean feat to get the gear up and down steps and onto/off the train. Fortunately for Helen, she let me do all the hard work!
Once there, Helen and I tested the ISDN line to ensure there would be no problems with transmission on the day of the event. I assisted Helen in setting up the equipment and there were some very interesting bits and bobs (notably, a piece of equipment which resembled a large orange siren).
I understand that it is imperative to carry out tests such as this to ensure the smooth running of the event and associated broadcasts. Without a signal - there cannot be a live broadcast. Fortunately all was well and we are now all set for our forthcoming event, we just need to plan exactly what it is we wish to do. So it's back to the hospital next week for a planning meeting.................
Today involved transporting all of the required transmission equipment to Aintree Hospital to ensure it was all working correctly in anticipation of a live transmission of a forthcoming event. The weather was absolutely atrocious and it was no mean feat to get the gear up and down steps and onto/off the train. Fortunately for Helen, she let me do all the hard work!
Once there, Helen and I tested the ISDN line to ensure there would be no problems with transmission on the day of the event. I assisted Helen in setting up the equipment and there were some very interesting bits and bobs (notably, a piece of equipment which resembled a large orange siren).
I understand that it is imperative to carry out tests such as this to ensure the smooth running of the event and associated broadcasts. Without a signal - there cannot be a live broadcast. Fortunately all was well and we are now all set for our forthcoming event, we just need to plan exactly what it is we wish to do. So it's back to the hospital next week for a planning meeting.................
In the Studio
September 2011
Ok, so today I was invited to sit in on the morning radio broadcast. Helen is covering for Sean Styles and asked if i'd like to sit in the studio during the broadcast.
Obviously it was necessary to be completely silent as any noise / coughing / laughing would be broadcast.
Immediately after the show, Sean's production team go straight into a production meeting to discuss the topics which will be featured on the following morning's show. I was invited to attend this meeting and offered my opinions on what I thought would be suitable topics for the following morning's show.
It became apparent to me that a significant amount of planning is required in advance of each show. To a listener it may appear that the show 'just happens' when in actual fact it is carefully planned beforehand.
One of the topics that was chosen to be featured was on people's experiences of bad customer service. The assistant editor, Jonathan Hallewell asked if I would go out and interview some members of the public and record some 'vox pops' which would be featured on the following morning's show. I jumped at the chance and took the flash mic around town and managed to get 3 people to give me an example of bad customer service. People were very willing to talk and share their experiences.
I was absolutely thrilled that I was given the opportunity to do this and I hope there will be many more.
Ok, so today I was invited to sit in on the morning radio broadcast. Helen is covering for Sean Styles and asked if i'd like to sit in the studio during the broadcast.
Obviously it was necessary to be completely silent as any noise / coughing / laughing would be broadcast.
Immediately after the show, Sean's production team go straight into a production meeting to discuss the topics which will be featured on the following morning's show. I was invited to attend this meeting and offered my opinions on what I thought would be suitable topics for the following morning's show.
It became apparent to me that a significant amount of planning is required in advance of each show. To a listener it may appear that the show 'just happens' when in actual fact it is carefully planned beforehand.
One of the topics that was chosen to be featured was on people's experiences of bad customer service. The assistant editor, Jonathan Hallewell asked if I would go out and interview some members of the public and record some 'vox pops' which would be featured on the following morning's show. I jumped at the chance and took the flash mic around town and managed to get 3 people to give me an example of bad customer service. People were very willing to talk and share their experiences.
I was absolutely thrilled that I was given the opportunity to do this and I hope there will be many more.
First day....
September 2011
Just to give you a little bit of background, my role is 'Up For Arts' Researcher, working alongside Helen Jones (Up For Arts Broadcaster). See http://www.culture.org.uk/articles/show/431?type=News for further information regarding the project.
My day begins with a tour of the radio station and a meet and greet with all the different staff members to introduce myself and gain an understanding of everybody's different roles within the station. There are many varied roles such as the news team, the production team, research assistants and broadcasters. It is interesting to see how all the different areas interact and work together.
My first impression is that my job will be very varied, encompassing a whole range of adminstration and practical tasks - fantastic!
Helen asks me to accompany her to The Bluecoat garden nearby where she recorded a few 'vox-pops' (pre-recorded interviews with members of the public on a specific subject). I was very interested to witness how Helen engaged with members of the public and managed to extract the required information as quickly as possible! Also very interesting to see peoples reaction when they saw the BBC microphone - people were so forthcoming and willing to talk and share their views. The power of the media!
Once back at the station, Helen downloaded and edited the software. To be honest it went completely over my head but Helen mentioned that she would like me to assume responsibilty for audio editing and that she would show me the basics once i'm settled.
Just to give you a little bit of background, my role is 'Up For Arts' Researcher, working alongside Helen Jones (Up For Arts Broadcaster). See http://www.culture.org.uk/articles/show/431?type=News for further information regarding the project.
My day begins with a tour of the radio station and a meet and greet with all the different staff members to introduce myself and gain an understanding of everybody's different roles within the station. There are many varied roles such as the news team, the production team, research assistants and broadcasters. It is interesting to see how all the different areas interact and work together.
My first impression is that my job will be very varied, encompassing a whole range of adminstration and practical tasks - fantastic!
Helen asks me to accompany her to The Bluecoat garden nearby where she recorded a few 'vox-pops' (pre-recorded interviews with members of the public on a specific subject). I was very interested to witness how Helen engaged with members of the public and managed to extract the required information as quickly as possible! Also very interesting to see peoples reaction when they saw the BBC microphone - people were so forthcoming and willing to talk and share their views. The power of the media!
Once back at the station, Helen downloaded and edited the software. To be honest it went completely over my head but Helen mentioned that she would like me to assume responsibilty for audio editing and that she would show me the basics once i'm settled.
Welcome
Welcome to my blog, on which you will accompany me on my journey of work based learning at BBC Radio Merseyside and The Citadel Arts Centre, St. Helens.
I understand that to gain employment within the music industry it is essential to have as many 'strings to your bow' as possible and therefore I will detail my experiences and learning outcomes in both workplaces.
This blog will serve as a record of my journey and will reflect upon my learning experiences.
Please feel free to leave comments and thank you for reading.
Nat
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