During the course of the semester, WQED-FM interns get to work on individual projects they are most passionate about! From interviewing, to editing, to writing scripts, they do it all to make their projects a reality using the tools and skills they learned at WQED-FM. Read all about their projects, and give them a listen!

 

Interns

Oliver Arner – WQED-FM Intern Summer 2024 and Winter 2024

My name is Oliver Arner. I’ve had a love for music since I was a kid as I grew up surrounded by musicians. With that love, I studied and performed with orchestras and ensembles all through high school. However, as my high school career in performance ended, I became more interested in the technology and production side of music. From there I earned an associate’s degree in Music Technology. Today, I continue to strive in broadening my experience and knowledge in music production. My goal with this project was to create a space for people who want to expand their experience in music to a much broader spectrum. Sometimes a standard concert experience can lack room for artistic expression, so finding venues that are more off-the-wall could really make the live music experience for everyone.

Project: Outside the Box Office

In the city of Pittsburgh, we believe the arts are essential to our culture, including musical performances, but when it comes to finding a new event to experience, sometime you need to think outside the box. WQED-FM Intern, Oliver Arner, highlights various music events across the Pittsburgh area that embrace not-so-average venues and environments, and dives deep into the subcultures that arise from them.

 

Episode 1 – Furries Fortissimo!

In this episode, WQED-FM travels to Pittsburgh’s local yet internationally recognized fur-suiting convention, Anthrocon. At an event known for highlighting the intricate costumes, we learn there’s more to their artistic endeavors, including music! Oliver Arner speaks with six musicians from the Anthrocon Jazz Big band just after their second annual big band performance. They discuss their achievements this year, and the history of how the group came together to create one of the most anticipated events at this convention.

Episode 2 – A Concert by Candlelight

In this episode, Oliver Arner sits down with Fever producer, Ashley Abenour, to talk about their Candlelight Concerts in Pittsburgh. Surrounded by thousands of LED candles, string quartets take on classical renditions of pop music. They speak on the venues they’ve chosen here in Pittsburgh, the process of production, and why candlelight was the perfect move in accompanying a classical-style concert.

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Lucienne Byrne – WQED-FM Intern Summer 2024

Hi! I’m Lucienne Byrne, a radio intern at WQEDFM! I am going into my last year at West Chester University and completing my degree in Communication.

 

Project: Concert Connoisseur, Pittsburgh Edition

Concert Connoisseur, Pittsburgh Edition is your guide to four of the best venues in the Pittsburgh Area. From smallest to largest, I recall the history of each concert venue, as well as chat with loyal attendants and live performance lovers about the ins and outs of each concert hall.

 

Episode 1 – Carnegie Music Hall  

I start off with the smallest of the four venues, Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. I touch on the history, the new renovations, and sit down with Jeanne Basse where she speaks about her love for the venue and the Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures Series.

Episode 2 – Stage AE

As we move up in size, episode two is all about Stage AE. I break down the construction of the venue and talk with Shawna Gibson about her experiences and opinions about both the outdoor and indoor stages.

Episode 3 – Heinz Hall

Next up we have the iconic Heinz Hall. I will discuss the renovations done and talk a little about history. I spoke with Sophia Basse about her fond memories of visiting Heinz Hall as a child and her admiration for it’s architecture.

Episode 4 – PPG Paints Arena

I wrap up Concert Connoisseur with the largest venue on the list, PPG Paints Arena. I map out the huge arena by sections and talk about notable performers. My last guest is Bella Colucci and provides her knowledge on the arena as a frequent attendant.