To learn more about current volunteer opportunities during, reach out to [email protected]
Current Volunteers: Course schedules and registration links are posted monthly in the All Volunteer Email Newsletter!
Just getting started? See our volunteer page for more general information. During Orientation, you will be added to the Volunteer Mailing list, and you will be part of our volunteer management system, Galaxy. If you're not sure where to start after Orientation, reach out to Nate at [email protected] to find out which trainings align with your volunteering interests.
Available Virtual Trainings:
FCC Basics: Legal Issues in Radio
This class teaches volunteers what can & can’t be said on the air according to the FCC, IRS, & KBOO Policies. Volunteers will learn some brief history on the FCC and various regulations, such as Indecencies, Obscenities, Slander/Libel, Payola/Plugola, and more.
Introduction to Audio Editing (Audacity 2.4.2)
Volunteers are taught basic radio and audio editing terminology and how to use the audio editing software Audacity. This is the virtual alternative to Introduction to Audio Production. However, be sure to take Introduction to Audio Production when the station reopens, so you can get acquainted with the production studios!
Programmer Orientation
Interviewing Techniques
This class delves into the art of the interview. It’s more than just putting a microphone in front of someone! Learn how to prepare for your interview, how to phrase your questions, and which audio techniques for maximum effect. This training is aimed at news and public affairs volunteers.
Writing for Radio
This class discusses journalism, and how we adapt and synthesize news copy for radio. We will go over what to do and what not to do when adapting our writing for an audio medium. This class is a requirement for KBOO News volunteers.
Audio Editing in Audacity for News
This class is for news volunteers. We will be replicating a more advanced editing style in Audacity, with interstitial pieces and music transitions for emphasis. Even if you're familiar with these edits in Audition, you may want to learn how to do it in Audacity!
Broadcasting Your Program Nationally
This class teaches the basics of national syndication. We will explain what it means to syndicate a KBOO produced program, as well as share the process of preparing a program for national distribution.
Introduction to Audio Production
Learn your way around the KBOO Studios, how to use a mixing board, a microphone, and an audio source, how to do a phone interview, and how to use our production facilities. This is the very first production training you should take, and it is required for all future training.
More Available Classes:
Not all classes are currently being offered, but they are all potentially available if needed
Listening session for Audio Production Homework
In this class we listen to the homework required in the Intro to Audio Production class, and talk about KBOO values for creating audio content. We also go over a few basic organizing tips for producing radio programs
Board Operator Training
You will learn the ins and outs of the Air Room, as well as how to communicate with the program host, how to cue music, etiquette for putting calls on the air, how to be prepared for emergencies, and much more.
Beginning Digital Editing
This class is the general introduction to the Adobe Audition Program. You will learn about file management, about digital editing, and how to upload your work onto the KBOO website, and how to download audio and edit it for KBOO airplay.
PRE-REQUISITE: Introduction to Studio and Audio Production and Listening Session
Advanced Digital Editing
Learn how to use the multi-track functions in Adobe Audition, and make spots for KBOO on-air promotions.
PM News and Public Affairs Orientation
This training will provide you a crash course in News and Public Affairs production at KBOO. Over the hour, we will cover our philosophy, our expectations, how it all works, and how you can get started with us.
Receptionist 101
Learn how to confidently staff the front desk at the station. The front desk acts as a busy hub for the station, connecting hosts and guests, volunteers with classes, and musicians and artists with the greater community.
Note: You do not have to be a current volunteer to attend this training
Tabling Team 101
Learn how to support KBOO through outreach at community events and join our tabling and outreach team!
Interviewing Techniques for News & Public Affairs
Writing for Radio
Field Recording
We will focus on using the Zoom Recorders that KBOO has available for field recording. You will learn the check-out and check-in procedure for equipment, how to put your new audio on the computer for editing, and tips for getting the most out of your field recording.
News Anchoring and Announcing
We'll learn how to read the news, and how to sound good while on the microphone. We'll talk about how the news is organized then watch the half hour Friday news, and answer questions you have about the process.
Public Affairs Programming Essentials
Discuss some of the basic elements that are essential to quality public affairs programming, both in technical skills and in compelling content. We will be sharing tips, pet peeves, and learn how to do critical listening evaluations.
Introduction to Podcasting
Learn how podcasting at KBOO is different from Broadcasting at KBOO. Learn how to set up your podcast, what your rights and responsibilities are as a KBOO podcaster, and more!
Video Editing with Adobe Premiere
In this class, you will learn the basics of video editing with Premiere - Setting up the project folder, Importing the video clips, graphics, and audio into the project, Assembly (syncing audio to video will be in this part), Editing and Effects, Adding subtitles and credits, and Rendering
The KBOO Website for Programmers
A brief look at how and why you can create compelling program episodes, embellish program pages, use social media, and otherwise promote your program to your public.
Hip Hop Past, Present, Future, and your place in it
Explore Hip Hop History locally and nationally including the Afrikan Hiphop Caravan, KBOOs Hip Hop Programming and on air battles, How Hip Hop influences art, culture and political consciousness, How struggles for liberation have contributed to Hip Hop Culture, and skills including Concert production and promotion, Networking, Studio training for radio production and digital production, Rhyme writing techniques for style, authenticity and success, and more
Introduction to Engineering
This class focuses on the most critical duty of the Engineering Department to ensure the highest quality broadcast transmission from the on air talent to the listener. You’ll learn what we do, and basic engineering concepts to explore the technical side of community radio
Evaluating KBOO Programming
During this training you will learn about our new system for volunteers to help us conduct evaluations at KBOO. You’ll learn How to not use the evaluation form and minute per minute form, Music vs. PA vs. news program evaluation, How to access assignments, how to access audio to evaluate, and about objectivity and opinions relating to KBOO’s mission, vision, programming charter
Music Library Orientation
Learn how our library is organized, how we add music to our collection, and get involved in archiving our live music and creating the library database.
Live Music Mixology: How to Mix and Broadcast Live Bands
You will learn how to mix and broadcast live performances in the KBOO studios.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Audio Production, Audio Production Listening Session, Legal Training
Introduction to Collectives at KBOO
Whether forming a new KBOO Collective or joining an existing one, this class will introduce the current Collectives at KBOO and explain how they function, discuss membership requirements, ensure that KBOO values are observed, and serve as a resource from established KBOO Collectives.
News Production
Learn how to produce the KBOO Evening News alongside some of our best! The role of the news producer is to oversee the construction of the news from scratch. Learn the anatomy of a newscast, how to project coordinate in a fast-paced and unpredictable environment, copy edit, and support volunteer anchors leading up to and during the live newscast in this full-length course that spans the duration of a typical day of a news producer.
Prerequisites: Newsroom Orientation, Intro to Audio Production/Listening, Beginning and Advanced Digital Audio Editing, Writing for Radio
Social Media Team Orientation
Help build and maintain KBOO’s presence on social media, by being part of our growing social media team of volunteers: livestreaming in-studio music performances and off-site events, and using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to drive traffic to our website, and more!
Prerequisites: Social media familiarity and usage, computer skills, ability to navigate the internet and conduct online research.
Preferences: Photography experience a plus, graphic design experience is also helpful, some knowledge of current events and/or local music scene also a plus.
Live Remote Broadcasting
Learn about Engineering setup, mixing, and Board Operation for broadcasting away from KBOO studios - Live Remote Broadcasting! Get the training to be part of KBOO’s Live Remote Team!
Prerequisite: Intro to Audio Production, Legal Training, and the Listening Session.
Live Remote Producing
Learn about producing a live remote broadcast - from preparation of artist binders and content for the Announcers, to planning interviews, to live event management.
Get the training to be part of KBOO’s Live Remote Team!
Prerequisite: Intro to Audio Production, Legal Training, and the Listening Session.
Introduction to the KBOO Archival Database
Learn how to use KBOO's archive database to find news and public affairs programs from the 1960s! You will learn about our database, how to edit information, and how to nominate items for digitization.
Long-form Interviewing
Learn how to conduct a long form interview - the half hour to one hour focus on cultural affairs and public affairs like author interviews.
Prerequisite: Interviewing Techniques
Pitch Producer Training
A Pitch Producer’s role is to ensure that throughout the on-air fundraiser its intent is clear to the audience, the messaging is effective and focused & goals are met. You will learn how to keep pitching clear and effective, and learn how to best communicate that to the Pitchers.
