October 23, 2003

BYU-Idaho students create

radio program on the movies

 

 

            It took 10 BYU-Idaho students and some supportive employees to create the latest Rexburg radio sensation.

            “The Perfect Score,” a one-hour show airing Fridays at 1 p.m. on KBYI-FM, was created by students working at the BYU-Idaho station.

            The show focuses on music from the movies and is enhanced with narration about the work and why it is being highlighted.

            Ryan Snelgrove, a senior English major from Kamas, Utah, conceived of the idea after hearing a similar radio show and thinking the local station could do a better job.

            “We felt we could cater to the needs of our listeners better,” he says. “The shows she picked were often shows people didn’t pay attention to. We also wanted to appeal to the younger generation and those who have distinct tastes in radio listening.”

            For instance, the show “Jurassic Scores” featured music from dinosaur flicks, and even included Dino from “The Flintstones.” Other shows during October included “Spies Like Us,” “Way Out West-erns” and “Monster Music.” The show on Oct. 31 is entitled “Villainous Scores” and includes music through the eyes of Darth Vader, the Wicked Witch of the West and Disney's Jafaar from “Aladdin.”

            Snelgrove looks forward to hearing from listeners, who already have given them excellent ideas for future shows.

            Mark Hartvigsen, a senior English major from Rexburg, also was involved since the show’s conception.

            “My position has mainly been as a writer,” Hartvigsen says. “It’s been a good experience for me. I really think I’ve developed as a writer. I use a new style that I had to develop.”

            Hartvigsen says his favorite shows have involved Shakespearean movies and French films.

            Station manager Jim Clark is excited about the new project. “We supported it from the outset because we believed in their concept and we wanted something like this,” he says.

            Students have managed all aspects of the new show, and employees have not been surprised by the polished product that has resulted.

            “We view our students as being every bit as qualified as senior broadcasters,” Clark says.

            Thirty-five shows were completed between May and Sept. 1, with students being responsible for all creative aspects.

            “We support the students and talk with them some bouncing ideas around but we like to stay out of their way, knowing they are qualified to do this,” Clark says.

            The launch of this new show was not highly promoted, yet there was an immediate reaction among listeners, Clark says. A doctor from Twin Falls called to ask if the station had hired new on-air talent. Another caller complimented the students on their work and selection of music. Station personnel believe the show has potential to draw national attention.

            “We hope to get as much mileage from the show as possible and may look into the possibility of national distribution,” Clark says.

            One objective of “The Perfect Score’ is to maintain the production values and quality of the show regardless of personnel turnover. Students met this challenge by devising production methods that allow for students on any level to work together learning from each other. Students teach students necessary production processes guaranteeing the show will be sustainable.

            “Students are very good at teaching each other – the baton passes smoothly from student to student,” Clark says.

            “The Perfect Score” is one example of how students are getting practical experience at KBYI and KBYR. A dozen students are on the payroll working in all aspects of radio including news, production, programming and engineering. Another 15 students learn skills working as practicum students and volunteers.

            “The Perfect Score” listings are available at www.kbyi.org.

 

 

  


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