Cunningham, L., Week 3

A successful week is one that leaves you itching for the weekend to be over so you can start the next... Week 3 was exactly that. Our class visited a non-profit and were literally wined and dined; we learnt about the triumphs of working in modern-day radio; finally, we visited a local venue and huge asset to the City of Elmira.

Our first trip was upstate to the New York Wine & Culinary Center, a beautiful venue set right on the waters of Canandaigua Lake. The cloudy day did not deter the lovely aesthetic of the Center, and we enjoyed a tour of the facilities as we looked out upon the views. We then went into their Wine Spectator Education Classroom and watched as our lunch was made right in front of us; a very special sight to behold. The resulting pasta was delicious and light, proving you don't always have to travel to the big city or another country for a good meal. For those of us that were of the legal age, they poured a light Riesling; it smelled dry and fruity, a perfect compliment to the meal.



Next we went to Community Broadcasters LLC in their building just a short way from the Elmira College. There we spoke with Smitty as he described his years of work in the radio business. As we toured the station we saw a very minimalist set up, within which a lot of work goes out and revenue comes in. We learnt that the radio industry is not just getting by but actually thriving in the current market. Smitty told us about a very specific method, that has been used for years, that helps them combat the growing age of digital use. Listeners keep evolving and Community Broadcaster keeps doing so right along side them.

After the tour we accompanied the station to Dune Field for a live press conference that was being covered by several local stations. It was a true joy to watch play out, despite the windy conditions.

Finally, we did not have to stray far, as we visited the Clemens Center. This local legend has such a rich history, having been originally built in the 1920s as a vaudeville theatre and then saved and restored by the community on three separate occasions. The community's dedication to the Center has been shown time and time again, with each passing season of shows. This upcoming year will mark the 40th anniversary since it's latest renovation and re-opening. After an informative talk and charming tour, we walked away with a better understanding of: how a touring theatre operates; how it differentiates itself from competition; and how it is evolving and adapting to changing tastes of its consumers.