BEMIDJI — As an on-air volunteer for over 10 years, I was excited to co-host my first New Volunteer Training along with our Music Director Kari Hedlund.
We brainstormed ways to entice curious folks to follow through after the training and do what was needed to end up DJ'ing on KAXE/KBXE. It was decided that creating a special week to feature this class of trainees was worth a shot.
Thus, New Volunteer Week was born!
Over 20 community members, mostly from the Bemidji area, attended the session and they had tons of good questions to ask. The group also reflected the area we live in, with a variety of ages, ethnicities and genders. Our goal as a community radio station was to get as many people from the class as possible going solo on our airwaves.
Hosting a music show is really, really fun but it is also a bit nerve-racking, especially in the beginning, and carries some responsibility.
But music lovers have a have desire to share the cool sounds they are into and KAXE/KBXE is the perfect medium to do it. So many of our new trainees have jumped in and learned from our more experienced volunteers, who so graciously shared their time and knowledge.
If you are interested in becoming an on-air music DJ, our next training session will be 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, June 19, in Grand Rapids at the KAXE studio. Text the word VOLUNTEER to 218-326-1234 or call 1-800-662-5799. All are welcome and we hope to see you soon!
New Volunteer Week
- Saturday, June 3: Late night set from Kevin Sunell, 9-midnight.
- Monday, June 5: Ara Gallo will be DJ'ing the 7-10 p.m. On the River slot.
- Tuesday, June 6: Sarah Sarah, 7-10 p.m. Tuesday night.
- Wednesday, June 7, will feature Kate Tesar, 9-noon, and Dianne Ott/Kim Lindell, 7-10 p.m.
Our final two New Volunteer Week slots will be hosted by high schoolers! Friday morning, June 9, Carla John will DJ from 9-noon, and Saturday, June 10, Aidan Larson will co-host Backporch Harmony from 10-noon.
Special shoutout to Mae Mae, who has already hosted On the River and a jazz show.
