Morning Announcements go Live Video

Jazlyn Lewis and Matt Argame during our test run

For the last 50 years our morning announcements have gone through some changes but none so big as today, September 26, 2012 at 8:54 am.  This mornings announcements were done as a live video broadcast.

The Broadcast Media Production Class led by Danny Klatzker (class of 90) has been working tirelessly for many years to make this a reality, and this year using ASB and others as anchors, his classes have finally gone live.  In an email to the staff on September 25, 2012 Mr. Klatzker adds:

"Tomorrow my Broadcast Media Production class and ASB are going to do the daily announcements live via a video feed and over the PA system. They have worked very hard over the last few weeks to put together a working television studio and coordinating with ASB to bring you our first Saxon TV news broadcast."

As we begin the next 50 years it seems only fitting to make some big changes in how we do things.

Our live editing crew

In the years past we have been using the telecom system built into the school all those many years ago.  As I wasn't at Loara until 1979, I can't be sure what all the Principals read on the bulletin but I do know that Tommy Thomason would read key Saxon news of the day, I also know that Tom Kenally in the early 80's didn't get on the announcements much, but in the late 80's Dr. Jerry Glenn used to have tidbits he read over the all call, in the early 90's Dr. Barry Escoe used to have his word of the day, Dr. John Dahlem in the 90's would do facts and alliterations like have a Marvelous Monday, Mrs. Pam Krey in the 00's always ended with "smile often" but now in the 2010's we have gone mobile.  Mr. John Briquelet, our newest principal, will be the first principal seen on video discussing hot topics of the day, and key educational and testing ideas.  However his first broadcast was just an introduction of himself and the goals this coming school year.

Along with the Principals I know that Alden Esping and myself have been on those announcements nearly every single day, helping ASB learn how to use their voices, project and make those announcements short, sweet and to the point.  As they are incorporated into the school day they do not take away from the academic minutes of a class.  By the early 90's I found a song by Oscar Brown Jr. called the "Friday song" we can not find it on iTunes and the likes so my dad had to listen to a local jazz station on Friday and record the morning show to get it so we can play it every Friday since.

How are video announcements set up?  Just like real news, we have our anchors, our beat reporters and closing remarks by yours truly.  When the school was modernized in 2006 and beyond, the classroom for the most part were equipped with a cable feed. Most teachers have the cable feed running into their classrooms, they just turn to channel 24 for the news.  If there isn't a video feed then they will only hear the announcements as read for the video over the loud speakers.   Here is a typical lineup:

Camera Two

1. Opening
2. Greeting
3. Pledge
4. Bulletin
5. Sports
6. Clubs
7. Other bulletin
8. Video Interviews (if any)
9. Joke of the Day
10. Birthdays
11. Closing

I'm proud to be a part of this process and these kids are to be commended for all their hard work.  It is great to be a part of sweeping, positive change that is happening on Loara's campus.