Rock DJs - Bedford School to hit the airwaves

The boys at Bedford School will soon be hitting the airwaves as they make final preparations to launch their very own radio station on Monday, February 27 - all of which will be completely produced and presented by the schools’ students.

The majority of the shows on Aquila Radio will cover a number of subjects including concerts, drama, lectures, foreign languages shows, sports news, political debates and chapel services. The content will fulfil the Aquila Radio team’s vision of a fully inclusive radio by the boys, for the boys, to help them get to know more about their school, or something to listen to during revision time. Needless to say, there has been no shortage of prospective DJs and presenters to volunteer their services, while an occurring question in the common room and boarding house is ‘what will be the first song played?’

Aquila Radio is the idea of upper sixth-former, Nick Hoare, who, with fellow students Giles Neal and Oliver Jackson, impressed a panel of judges to win the School’s prestigious Lindsay White Prize, named after an old boy of the school and who funded the installation of the radio equipment. The station will stream music and speech programming over the internet, with all Bedford School boys able to hear the output, whether in school, or at home. Parents, friends and ‘old boys’ can also enjoy listening from anywhere as the station will be streamed over the internet. The studio has been equipped with professional-standard ENCO studio equipment, DJ setup with the latest generation pioneer cdj-850 CD players and a Serato digital vinyl system - typically found in major commercial radio stations, enabling the student DJs to produce high-quality programmes.

The station’s daily schedule will start with a 10-minute update of what is happening in the school on that particular date, as well as a preview of programmes coming up throughout the day. During the daily shows, Aquila Radio will feature a variety of music genres – all chosen by the students – and other content such as concerts, drama, lectures, foreign languages shows, sports news, political debates and chapel services.

Head of School Sam Rayner commented: “It will unite the school and strengthen the participation and co-operation that exists between students of all ages here at Bedford School”.

Whilst the project currently remains within school, businesses could soon be able to advertise on the radio giving students valuable experience in business negotiation and related skills. Bedford School will also offer local schools the opportunity to come in and use the facilities, adding a new media-orientated dimension to the school’s charitable work.