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THE STATE
TWO PIANISTS, 32 YEARS, 176 KEYS
Published on: 12/07/2004
Section: METRO/REGION
Edition: FINAL
Page: B2
By WILLIESHA LAKIN, Staff Writer
Column: WHAT'S GOING ON?
When music was in the air in Amy Zhang's hometown, she breathed it in and caught the bug.
A classical pianist for eight years now, she grew up in New Orleans, "a very musical city." She was raised near the music departments of Tulane and Loyola universities.
"If they had a campus map, I was probably on it," said 16-year-old Zhang.
She and 16-year-old Samiron Ray will perform a benefit concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the USC School of Music Recital Hall. Proceeds will benefit the Carolina Children's Home.
The concert is being organized by the Teen Forum Show, a nationally syndicated radio show that airs locally from 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays on WOIC-AM 1230, ESPN Radio. Both Zhang and Ray are members. (The show is not being broadcast.)
Zhang, a junior at Dreher High School, is spending most of her class orchestra time practicing for the concert.
Among the pieces she will perform are works by Beethoven and Chopin; she may collaborate with Ray on Christmas music.
Practicing is the most difficult part.
"Sitting down and being calm" requires focus.
"At school I'm extremely involved," Zhang said. "It's something I really love, so I find the time.
"It's a great time to meditate, really."
Zhang is considering attending USC and majoring in both piano performance and international business. She is unsure whether her future career will include performing, "but I definitely plan on playing for the rest of my life," she said. "It's so much fun. I can't stop."
Tickets for Friday's concert are $7. The proceeds will be presented to the Carolina Children's Home at Dutch Square Center from 4-5:30 p.m. Dec. 15. For tickets and other information, call (803) 255-8013. | |
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Staff photo by Cindy Burnham
Co-hosts Kristin Camp, left, Ronak Shah, Samantha Jungclaus, Adrien Lake and Amy Zhang participate in live taping of the Teen Forum Show at Douglas
Byrd students talk issues for The Teen Forum Show
By Jessica Banov, Staff writer
Kaci Marcus waved her hand, trying to attract the attention of the man holding the microphone.
Around her, students in the Douglas Byrd High School auditorium cheered as they listened to a panel of teenagers debate the separation of church and state in schools. Kaci wanted to make sure her perspective, a teenager's view, was heard.
"Our opinion matters," said Kaci, a senior. "It's a generation gap because of the baby boomers. We are the future."
The Teen Forum Show, a nationally syndicated radio talk show, was broadcast live from the high school Wednesday. The show has a panel of young hosts who debate topics of interest to teens.
This week, the discussion got started with a debate about whether there should be prayer in schools, such as before football games or at graduation.
A tape of the show will air in Fayetteville at 4 p.m. Saturday on WFNC 640 AM and 102.3 FM. It will be the second week the Teen Forum Show has aired in the Fayetteville market.
Gangs, presidential politics, dating and drugs are some of the issues the show tries to tackle. No subject is off limits.
The show has seven young hosts of diverse backgrounds. Most are based in the South, but the show has correspondents at Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania.
Mike Thomas, a student at the University of South Carolina, started the show in 2000 when he was in high school. He enlisted the help of his father, Andy Thomas, who has a news talk radio show in South Carolina. They started with 10 radio stations. The show became nationally syndicated in August, and Mike Thomas, now the show's producer, expects to be on more than 30 stations by January.
"It's unique," he said. "It's the only teen show with a built-in crew."
He said the panel of co-hosts is similar to MTV's "The Real World," a group of people with divergent opinions. On Wednesday, the spectrum of views was evident. One host talked about her devout Christian background while another said she is an atheist and she doesn't like prayer in public schools.
Both opinions struck a chord with members of the audience who, like Kaci, kept their hands raised until the microphone man came their way. Eventually, the microphone was thrust in front of Kaci.
Kaci, a member of the marching band, told listeners that the band prays before games. The members pray that the team has a good game and that no one gets hurt. The prayer is not forced on anyone, she said.
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Staff photo by Cindy Burnham
The Teen Forum Show co-host Dan Fenner takes questions from students. |
"I like what you're saying," said Andy Thomas, who guided the discussion. "What if an atheist doesn't participate?"
"I've never been to a church," Kaci responded. "I listen in and agree there should be a safe game. We're just wishing someone doesn't get hurt."
Before the debate boiled over, Andy Thomas interrupted with a station break. As the show resumed after a commercial, the Douglas Byrd band played on stage.
"The show is starting up," Andy Thomas said. "Be ready."
The audience cheered.
Kimberly Spann, an 11th-grader, said parents should listen to the show so they can learn what teenagers think about current issues.
"Everybody needs to listen to it," she said. "It's not all about teens."
The show is scheduled to be broadcast from Scotland High School on Jan. 19. |
Teen talk show comes to town
11/11/2004 10:26 AM
By: Stacy Neumann & Web Staff
Ever wonder what teens have to say about hot topics? For example, take the separation of church and state.
"I'm an atheist,” one teen said. “I know people of many different religions and I believe people praying before a football game is ridiculous.”
Another teen commented, “No one religion should be endorsed. It should be whatever students want to do.”
"You don't have to participate,” another said. “You can stand there and be respectful and be silent."
On the Teen Forum Show, they discuss everything from politics and drug abuse to dating issues and education topics.
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Teen talk show comes to town
A nationally syndicated talk show for teens made a pit stop in Fayetteville on Wednesday.
 
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This weekly nationally syndicated teen radio talk show tackles it all to find out what young people have to say.
"If they really grab hold of the opportunity, they can truly be heard and be successful,” said teen panelist Ronak Shah. “I think teens don't realize the power and influence they have."
Teens say when they gather like this their voices are simply too loud to ignore."
“We saw this year how youth voters were targeted a lot more by the media and I think the teen voice is really starting to stand out and take hold of the potential it has,” Shah added.
So why trumpet teen talk? These folks say the answer's simple. Debate like this may help forecast your future.
The Teen Forum Show travels twice a month to different high school and college campuses.
| Brittany Hutchison, 16, middle, defends President Bush during Teen Forum Show at Rock Hill High School on Wednesday. Kristin Camp, 17, of Dreher High School in Columbia, holds the microphone and Tiffany Smith, 16, right, listens. | |
Teens tackle tough topics on air
Nationally-syndicated radio show gives local students a voice
By Toya Graham The Herald
(Published September 9‚ 2004)
Sixteen-year old Brittany Hutchison has more on her mind than cramming for exams and writing English papers.
The Rock Hill High School junior wants to persuade other teens to support President Bush.
"He wouldn't let us down," Hutchison said. "I don't think we should give up on him."
Hutchison and other Rock Hill High School students defended their presidential choices Wednesday on the Teen Forum Show, a nationally syndicated teen radio talk show.
The forum, a segment of America's Radio Show with Andy Thomas, is produced and staffed by teens under the guidance of Mike Thomas, executive director. The show, established in 2000, airs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Locals can tune in to the show at WRHI 1340 AM, or www.teenforumshow.com.
The group, which recently did a forum at Paramount's Carowinds in Fort Mill, travels twice monthly to high schools in Georgia and both Carolinas. Listeners top more than 100,000. Wednesday, the group was at Rock Hill High.
The show gives youth a voice, Thomas said.
Rock Hill High student body president Jarvis Miller, 16, agreed.
"In the media, the opinions are always from adults," Miller said as he watched one of seven co-hosts talk about same-sex marriages.
"But the forum gives teens a chance to express themselves."
Thomas said the show opens communication lines between parents and teens on issues such as teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health issues, race, dating, teen violence and gangs.
"Parents sometimes are scared to talk about sex," Thomas said. "With our show, we've been able to make parents feel more at ease talking about teen-related issues."
Aja Sanders, student body vice president at Rock Hill High, said listening to the show is a learning experience.
"It puts teens in a closer proximity with people over 18 who can vote," Sanders said. "We can be ready to vote when it's our time." |
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7/7/04
http://www.collegebound.net/go-girl/buzz/index.html
Tried-and-True Survival Tips
Scared of going away to college? Afraid you'll stand out from the crowd, and not in a good way? No worries -- How to Survive Your Freshman Year (Hundreds of Heads Books, Inc., 2004) is here to help you through. The book, which features 800 real-world perspectives on subjects from roommates to dating to laundry, was the topic of a recent live radio broadcast of the Teen Forum Show, the only nationally syndicated show directed, produced, and co-hosted by teens. Teen Forum panelists (high school seniors and college freshmen) interviewed young beachgoers at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion for their thoughts on freshman year, and sounded off on their own experiences as well. "Dorm rooms are too crowded," said Jessie, 22, of East Tennessee State University (Johnson City, TN). "You have to shower in a separate room, and you don't have privacy." But panelist Ronak Shah, a sophomore at the University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC), had a different experience. "I think living in the dorms is great, because you actually know what's going on around campus." Mark Bernstein, the book's editor, doesn't find opposing opinions like these problematic. "The strength of the book is its authenticity," he says. "Some people might be troubled by conflicting advice, but that's real life." Find out more at www.hundredsofheads.com and www.teenforumshow.com.
–Robyn Tellefsen |
May 6, 2004
Marlboro students participate in forum
By ANGELA CROSLAND
Morning News
Nearly 100 Marlboro County High School students, including members of the marching band and cheerleaders, gathered in the media center Wednesday for a live taping of the Teen Forum Show, presented by America's Radio Show with Andy Thomas.
The show aired all over the Southeast, including stations in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, and to nearly 500,000 listeners Wednesday afternoon.
The Teen Forum Show is the only nationally syndicated show directed, produced and co-hosted by teenagers. The students of the school were able to share their opinions on topics such as school dress codes, alcohol, sex, drugs and politics.
Students at Marlboro County High seemed especially interested in the war in Iraq, gangs and their effects, and teen pregnancy.
"It is important for the students of Marlboro County High School to have their teen voices and opinions heard in a structured setting that the Teen Forum Show will bring," said Johnnerlyn Johnson, freshman academy coordinator at the school.
Students need a way to voice their concerns about current events and how they affect their lives, Johnson said.
"It is also nice to have our former alumnus back, Justin Turner, who is a 2002 graduate," she said.
Turner is the producer of the show, and he wanted to bring his work back to his alma mater, Johnson said.
"I am his former journalism teacher, and I think he wanted to show the skills he was taught actually paid off," Johnson said.
The Teen Forum features teenagers from high schools and colleges across the country who share opinions on hot topics.
The show airs every Wednesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Area teens can tune into the show on the following local Florence affiliates: WOLS 1230 AM in Florence, WHYM 1260 AM in Lake City and WBSC 1550 AM in Bennettsville.
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Students help teenagers air perspectives on radio
By Alexis Bass
Article Tools:  |
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Media Credit: special to the Gamecock
From left, Justin Turner, Chris Whitmire, Nic Stratton, Shantel Brown and Dan Fenner chat on the air during Teen Forum.
| | USC student co-hosts are reaching out to the youth of America through Teen Forum, a weekly feature of America's Radio Show with Andy Thomas. Aired throughout the Carolinas on six radio stations and the Internet, this forum gives teens a chance to voice opinions on events and issues affecting them.
Mike Thomas, a third-year marketing student and executive producer of the show, thought up the show.
Started after an offer from his father, Andy Thomas, in 2000, the concept of a "Real World" format became the initial building block for the forum.
The show is produced, run and co-hosted by nine teenagers representing diverse ethnic groups, opinions and values.
"We try to appeal to every teenager," Thomas said.
The show's goal is to give teens a voice and provide exposure to a new form of self-expression. Broadcasts are held outside of the studio at high schools and colleges around the Carolinas. Presbyterian College recently held a broadcast from the campus PIKE fraternity house, and the S.C. Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities also held a forum talent show and debate on funding for the arts.
Today, the show will play host to a show from Richland Northeast High School. First-year theatre student and co-host Dan Fenner said he enjoys expressing himself on issues about substance abuse.
"I think the Teen Forum is a great experience. It makes you more aware of what is around you," Fenner said.
An aspiring actor, Fenner has been able to do voice-overs in promotional and public relations work for Teen Forum.
"I love to perform, and whether that's on a stage or radio it is still beneficial," he said.
Assistant producer Justin Turner, a third-year electronic journalism student, has been involved with radio since his freshman year in high school.
"Being a producer is an everyday job. It is a great pleasure of mine to work here. It is something I would recommend to anyone interested in broadcast journalism," Turner said.
Second-year electronic journalism student and co-host Shantel Brown said he enjoys current issues and local government discussions.
"It always leaves an impact on me when co-hosts can't even get a word in," Brown said.
A segment of the radio show called Radio Star Search is looking for anyone interested in working with Teen Forum. Students looking for a summer internship or a fall job can contact Mike Thomas or Justin Turner at 255-8013.
The Teen Forum airs in Columbia on ESPN 1230 AM Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and can be heard online at www.teenforumshow.com |
| Posted on Mon, Apr. 26, 2004 |
Teen voices cover tough topics on radio showBy: Williesha C. Lakin A teen can channel-surf the local radio dial and find a variety of music. But finding talk radio that relates to teens seems nearly impossible.
One radio talk show that attempts to reach youth is the Teen Forum Show, which airs statewide from 4 to 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday. It’s heard locally on WOIC 1230 AM.
Recent discussion topics on the show range from obesity to whether there should be a military draft.
Christian Camp, a 16-year-old Dreher High junior, is the newest co-host to join the Teen Forum Show. For her, getting involved is the first step to becoming a broadcast journalist.
Camp said she is learning how to speak her mind concisely — and to deal with being one of the few conservative teens on the show.
She said it’s important “for teenagers to be involved and know what’s going on in the country.”
Co-host Ronak Shah, a 19-year-old USC sophomore, said that although they might disagree on the air, the teens are all great friends.
Co-host Dan Fenner, 19, a USC freshman, seemed to share the same feelings. “The biggest challenge has probably been not just finding ways to improve yourself, but finding ways to make the entire team work better together,” he said.
USC junior Justin Turner, 19, who co-produces the show, said they are always trying to think of “inventive ways” to reach teens.
“II’m making a difference,” Turner said.
This week the show airs from Richland Northeast High. Teens can participate and voice their opinions during the show. For more information, go to www.teenforumshow.com |
| Posted on Thu, Apr. 22, 2004 |
Trade show stresses youths’ future
Powerplay Youth Empowerment Expo, a trade show sponsored by the Columbia Urban League for youths 14 to 24, is scheduled for Saturday. Here’s a short question-and-answer session with one of the young volunteers helping with the expo.
MIKE THOMAS, 21
Senior, USC
What’s your main task at Power Play?
The Teen Forum crew is emceeing the events. From 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Teen Forum-America’s Radio Show with Andy Thomas will be having an interview/audition at their booth for next year’s Teen Forum co-host for kids 14-19 years old.
Why did you want to get involved in PowerPlay?
To help bring teens out and make teens aware of their future. This expo gives them the tools to start looking at their future.
Why do you encourage young people to attend job fairs and expos?
When you are a high school student and have an opportunity like PowerPlay, you can make connections which can help you in the future. You can ask questions from professionals who are in the prospective career that you may be interested in.
Where should youth go to start job/college searching? When is a good time to start?
Seventeen would be a good age. Going to expos like PowerPlay and building as many connections with people in the profession that you want to go into is the best thing to do.
What are the basic factors to consider when looking for a job or a school?
See that (schools) have the major that you are interested in and make sure you’re going to be happy going to that particular school.
What makes video game technology and animation a good career choice?
It’s popular with teenagers and I don’t think the industry is going to die down. It’s a growing industry. |
Saturday,
March 13, 2004 (Orangeburg,SC) |
'Teen Forum Show' live from Edisto; students interact on issues
By DONNA HOLMAN, T&D Correspondent
Nearly 50 Edisto High School students spoke out on the death penalty, the "cheeseburger bill" and teenage plastic surgery last Wednesday while
participating in a live broadcast of the "Teen Forum Show" aired from the
school's Commons Area.
Broadcast from its own studio and also from high schools and colleges around
the Southeast, the "Teen Forum Show" is presented by America's Radio Show
with Andy Thomas and heard all over the Southeast, according to executive producer Mike Thomas, a University of South Carolina senior advertising major. This unique weekly show is produced, directed, and co-hosted by nine teens
who represent diverse ethnic groups and opinions.
Concerning the death penalty, host Andy Thomas asked whether the death
penalty was appropriate for Lee Malvo, who was under 18 at the time he and
John Allen Muhammed allegedly killed ten people and wounded three others
in the Washington sniper, D.C., sniper shootings.
Malvo should pay by giving his own life for taking part in random acts of murder, said a regular Teen Forum member, Alia Rafi, 17. Rafia moved to South
Carolina from Pakistan three years ago.
"Forcing him stay on earth behind bars thinking about what he did would make him suffer more for his crimes than putting him to death," EHS senior Amanda Brown said in rebuttal.
"I'm a Christian," said tenth grader Xavia Harrington. "Putting him in jail would be the better option. Killing someone is like trying to play God and we (Christians) don't believe in playing God. Two wrongs don't make a right."
The general consensus of the EHS students in the audience was against the death penalty.
The next issue debated was "the cheeseburger bill," which, if passed on Capitol Hill, will prevent individuals from suing fast food chains for making
them overweight.
Teen Forum assistant Dan Fenner, a 19-year-old USC freshman, argued that the bill would set a precedent for other industries to "immunize" themselves against lawsuits, thus allowing big business to make "legal" determinations and "control Americans."
Chosen to sit at the head table with her own mike, Brown disagreed: "If we
as Americans can sue hamburger establishments for making us overweight, then in the future, if we keep eating what they now serve as salads on the ‘lighter menu' and end up too thin, will Congress have to pass a 'fruit and vegetable bill?'"
As the last topic, Andy Thomas asked if teens should be allowed to have plastic surgery just to look like pop stars? This issue sprang from MTV's
new feature show, "I Want A Famous Face," scheduled to premier on
Monday, March 15.
Most of the EHS students said they'd probably tune in Monday out of
curiosity, but many were against plastic surgery, saying it's like a tattoo or,
like EHS juniors Ariana Coleman and Shayne Lewis said, that teens should
be happy with who they are and be themselves.
Coleman called it "creepy" and EHS sophomore Floria Pena called it "ludicrous."
"Teenage plastic surgery could be a good thing if it's for the right reasons, like a car accident victim restructuring some area that was disfigured," Pena said.
The live show airs Wednesdays from 4:00-5:30 p.m. and can be heard locally over Columbia's ESPN 12:30 a.m. as well as at least six other AM bands in South Carolina ,including Charleston's 10,000-watt station, WJK 950 AM. If you don't have radio handy, the Teen Forum can be picked up over the
satellite channels of Galaxy 4 (analog) and Starguide 3 (digital).
Andy Thomas the show with thanks to Orangeburg Pizza Hut for providing pizzas, to Carmike Cinemas / Camelot 4 for donating movie tickets, and to Mrs. Tooky's restaurant which offered the Radio Show team dinner.
http://www.teenforumshow.com
http://www.americasradioshow.com
Entertainment (The State)
Posted on Fri, Feb. 13, 2004
Listening to the voices of teens
There are news, sports, political and educational shows on the radio. Adults have little problem finding a source of information they can relate to.
But what about teenagers?
Check your dial from 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and you’ll find the “Teen Forum Show.” On WOIC 1230 AM, the show is produced and hosted by teens, and the topics affect teens.
Established in 2000, the show is a production of “America’s Radio Show With Andy Thomas.” It can be heard throughout the state and in Charlotte and Savannah.
There are segments on national and international news, politics and sex.
Columbia sex therapist Darcy Luadzers, better known as Dr. Darcy, wrote “Virgin S-E-X,” a book about healthy sexuality and making choices that will not be regretted. She will appear in studio March 17 and April 7 to talk about her book and other sex-related topics.
This Wednesday’s show is about teens and tobacco.
The “Teen Forum Show” also broadcasts on location.
The show will visit Brookland-Cayce High School on Feb. 25, Presbyterian College on March 3, Edisto High School on March 10 and Irmo High on March 24.
If you’d like to voice your opinion during the show, call (888) 887-9362. If you’d like to participate, call (803) 255-8013.
Jan 28, 2004
Hartsville governor school teens participate in radio forum
By ANGELA CROSLAND
Morning News
Nearly 100 students at the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics gathered in the north lobby of the new facility for a live taping of the Teen Forum Show presented by America's Radio Show with Andy Thomas on Wednesday.
The show aired all over the Southeast to include stations in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia and to its nearly 500,000 listeners Wednesday afternoon.
Area teenagers could tune into the show on the following local Florence affiliates: WOLS 1230 AM in Florence, WHYM 1260 AM in Lake City.
The Teen Forum Show is the only nationally syndicated show directed, produced and co-hosted by teenagers.
The students of the school were able to share their opinions on various topics such as school dress codes, alcohol, sex, drugs and politics.
"It is important that they interact with a forum that solicits their opinion on current events," said Dr. Murray W. Brockman, president of the governor's school.
"This gives them a chance to have a very informal way to sound off a little bit. It's fun for them as well," he said.
The Teen Forum features teenagers from high schools and colleges across the country who share opinions on hot topics.
"We're giving the kids a chance to think about things," Brockman said. "They enjoy formulating and expressing their opinions."
The show came to the school campus by way of the state Department of Education. When a representative heard about the show, he made arrangements for it to come to the school, Brockman said.
The show airs every Wednesday from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
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