Association of Music Personnel in Public Radio 
Spring 2003

     It was late Tuesday evening when I arrived in San Diego. As I checked into the hotel, I mentally drew a picture of what was in store for me over the next four days. I was nervous, I admit it. I’d never attended a music personnel conference, but that’s why I was there, to learn from my colleagues and from the great sessions offered. I didn’t get much sleep that night. Like many of you, I was too excited for Wednesday’s activities to begin.
     The day before the official conference began, I had the pleasure and rare opportunity to attend the announcer workshop conducted by Valerie Geller. One word describes this session—AMAZING! It was a small group of six people, which allowed each one of us to focus more closely on our strengths and weaknesses as announcers, music hosts, and programmers. Valerie helped us to find a way to “connect the dots” and for me, personally, to help make every minute of my weekly music show count. Later that night, conference personnel had the opportunity to attend the opening reception with comedienne B.J. Ward and jazz organist Tony Monaco. It was a great start to a very enlightening and entertaining conference.
     Thursday morning, I arose once again not knowing what exactly to expect. The day was well planned out, full of informative and interesting topics, such as the keynote address, “How Did You Get There From Here?” with Bob Hurwitz of Nonesuch Records. Bob spoke of the excitement radio has to offer, as well as how we as individuals must have faith in our audience and be able to challenge them at the same time. “Like what you play,” said Hurwitz “and don’t try to figure out what others like…go with what excites you!” The activities for the day didn’t stop there. One could attend their choice of four other sessions ranging from webstreaming to jazz in public radio. The highlight of the day for me, and I’m sure many others, was meeting and listening to musician, composer, writer, and family man Bobby McFerrin. What an inspiration!
     By day three, I’d made new friends and had the opportunity to discuss many new ideas, tactics, and practices our station could benefit from. When day four came around, I couldn’t believe the conference was almost over. Not only did I not want to leave sunny San Diego, but also I didn’t want to leave the great new group of people that I met over the past four days. All of them in their own way helped make my first-time radio conference a fantastic experience. I have to be honest with you and tell you that the conference literally changed me. It gave me the confidence to succeed in today’s competitive radio market. It also allowed me the chance to learn about subjects I had no previous knowledge of. I am humbled and honored to have been in the company of such great radio personnel and such invigorating speakers. The experience I had at the conference will always be with me throughout my radio career. I thank the AMPPR Board of Directors and National Public Radio for awarding me a scholarship to attend the MPC as well as the opportunity to grow in our industry and discover new talent within myself. I couldn’t have thought of a better way to spend four days. Thank you!
 

Richelle Antczak is the host and producer of WCBE’s eclectic music show, “All Access,” which can be heard streaming online at www.wcbe.org every Saturday night from 8 to10pm.