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Bronson Rasmussen, Jamestown High School sophomore, recently spent time in a sound booth recording a project for his broadcasting class. Using state-of-the art computer software, Logic Pro, Bronson is learning valuable life and work skills, while also discovering more about the broadcasting industry.
Broadcasting I and II classes at JHS are two audio communication courses offered through the Academy of Communications, Performing and Visual Arts. The courses are part of a partnership with the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts and WRFA (107.9) which provides two media educators, Dennis Drew and Ed Tomassini. Drew assists the broadcasting classes and Tomassini helps with the video and broadcasting classes.
“Dennis and Ed are both working professionals in the industry and give students a real-world perspective, experience and connection that is invaluable,” said Brad Peterson, JHS broadcasting teacher. “They bring a unique set of skills to the classroom that I can’t, which only benefits our students.”
Broadcasting I was born out of the need to continue the communications path of students interested in VideoWorks in ninth and 10th grades. JHS communications teachers realized that the students also valued an audio education. Students complete 10 creative audio projects in Broadcasting I including: creating a music loop, sound effects story, radio advertisement, news piece, scene from a TV show or film, audio collage, radio skit, interview, and autobiographical piece. Students not only use their creative skills, but also perfect their writing, public speaking and editing skills, learning to work as a team to complete projects.
“I took broadcasting I because I wanted to improve my communication skills and I thought taking this course would help make them better,” said Kaylee Schuppenhauer, JHS sophomore. “I really like getting to edit music with the same software that real musicians use – Logic Pro. Some students just prefer a hands-on experience as a better way for them to learn.”
Besides being an audio communications course, students who take broadcasting II also receive a required government/economics credit. In broadcasting II, the focus is on national, state and local government and how businesses work. The hook for students is that it is all done through broadcasting. Students record the projects on current political issues and interview local politicians including: Sam Teresi, Jamestown mayor, Congressmen Brian Higgins and Tom Reed, Sen. Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell. They often take national or state politics and break it down to how it affects the city of Jamestown. One economics project that broadcasting II students do is a local business profile complete with an interview of the business owner. Cameron Hurst, senior, has taken both broadcasting I and II loved the experiences.
“I did my business profile on The Pub and interviewed Sam Liscandro. It was a great way to practice my communications skills in a real-life setting,” said Cameron. “I want to go into communications and broadcasting II gives me an opportunity to take something I really enjoy – communications – and also get credit for one of my core subjects, government/economics at the same time. The broadcasting classes help you obtain valuable skills that you will use no matter what area you decide to go into in college or life.”