Cayce Berryman
(From left to right) Eric Shandy, Bradley Sosa and Michael Hernandez play as a trio in the KEDT studio on Thursday, Day 3 in the grand opening week of the new broadcasting station building.
Behind the doors of the new KEDT building and through the glass window of the broadcasting room, the Del Mar College low brass ensemble played beautiful music that escaped through any radio tuned to 90.3 FM.
Day 3 in KEDT’s grand opening festivities involved students from the DMC music department with Donald Pinson, assistant professor of trombone and low brass. The experience was different for students who are accustomed to a concert setting.
“It feels amazing,” said Eric Shandy, a trombone player at DMC. “I never imagined playing on the radio. … It’s more calm (than playing in a concert).”
Fellow trombone player Michael Hernandez likes the pressure of playing in front of people at a concert, but he enjoyed the experience playing for the radio.
Other colleges also have played during the grand opening at DMC’s Center for Economic Development. KEDT Vice President Myra Lombardo said the grand opening is a great opportunity for the community to see what KEDT is doing, and will help KEDT pave the way for future events they’ll hold for the community. The week has one more day in its grand opening celebration week, and it’s a big one.
“There is going to be a lot of activity this weekend,” Lombardo said. “We will have a lot for the children to do and for the adults, inside and outside.”
Saturday’s Family Fun Day will include outdoor performances by children, pictures with Curious George, Storytime with Mr. Kippy, a musical instrument petting zoo, concert ensembles honoring late KEDT-FM announcer Chris Ortiz and more.
“It will be competitive … with so much going on,” Lombardo said. “We’re expecting a great turnout.”
The event is free. For more information on the grand opening, call KEDT at 361-855-2213.