RYFI
Opinion Editor
Records sold as Rockin’ the Commons. Photo by RYFI| Opinion Editor
On Sept. 26, Sound Services, WNYF and Fredonia Radio Systems worked together to make an amazing Rockin’ the Commons.
The event was filled with a variety of activities, such as a CD/vinyl table, raffles, food and most importantly, music.
Music was performed from morning to dusk, with Sound Services setting up every set, mixing and leveling every artist and instrument.
The performances were recorded by WNYF, with video and audio now available on WNYF’s YouTube channel.
While the radio was coordinating the activities outside of the music, they also had their chief engineer, Preston Roosa, the host and main broadcaster of the day, airing the event live on the radio.
When asked about his experience at Rockin, he had this to say, “Other than a hiccup an hour before the stream when I was scrambling to get it back, we were live the entire time.”
Rossa continued, “During set changes, I was playing some requested music as well as interacting with some members at the event, asking about their part at RTC and how they felt about the event as a whole.”
Rossa mentioned he personally believes Rockin’ went really well this year, “I’ve always loved how we can all gather with a common interest in live music to help people. When I was talking with the Radio Systems [executive board] on air, it was so awesome to see everybody glow up when they talk about their contributions and what they love about RTC. “This was a very unique experience, and I’d love to be a part of it again soon.”
Every club that participated in the event coordinated with each other.
Collaborative planning was essential for participating in campus media organizations. “This is something I’ve been really pushing for Sound Services,” said Kiefer McKinley, president of Sound Services. “I want to do a lot more collaborative events […] because you know we have all of this gear, and if it’s sitting around doing nothing, then it’s useless.”
While I had Kiefer there, Station Manager of WNYF, Jenna Gorton, was also present. When asked the same question, she said, “I’ve never really been the point person for setting up for Rockin’ the Commons, and I’ve done this for two years now, so it was a learning curve.”
WNYF has been the victim of a lot of unfortunate circumstances in the past year; whether it be the flood or the move following it, the team has been through some rough times.
I bring this up because Rockin’ was looking like an example of the misfortune that has been haunting the station. Several core members of the TV station were ill, including several e-board, leaving only five or six crew members to be present.
However, if there is one thing that is certain, it is the resolve of the TV team, with them recording the entire show, with great shots and great communication.
Jenna speaks on this, saying, “Honestly, I’m just grateful for my small but mighty crew because they helped me out a lot. Even though again we have small numbers unfortunately today, they just helped me out and I really appreciate it. And we got we’re ready to have a good broadcast today.”
Not only were the clubs amazing, but so was the music. For the band Chatterbox, the concert served as a great send-off performance. For Stratosphere, it was a last-minute addition to their day.
One of the bands dropped off the list hours before, and they had to leave their last gig very quickly to get to Rockin’.
The beginning of the show started with the great a cappella group, the Guerillas.
This a cappella set was a great performance to start the day off, and a new experience for members of the group.
One of the singers, Noah, who was new to the Guerillas and Rockin’, had much to say about the show, “I think it’s a nice space. You know, it’s like right, it’s outside. It’s a beautiful day. There are people conversing, having a good time. There are the raffles, the performances. You know, it’s all around. It’s like good vibes, all good vibes.”
Noah continued, “This is actually my first performance as a member of the Guerillas, so I wasn’t really nervous, but it was just like I was excited beforehand. And now that I got up there, you know, performing with my friends, you know, I have I had a ton of fun. I love performing.”
Rockin’ the Commons was amazing this year; every band was at their best, all the clubs were at their most ambitious, and people had a blast. Every club has sought to exceed expectations this year, and Rockin’ is just the start of an amazing semester.