Matthew Toulmin, Volunteer
Ted Davies, who is a presenter, said I should come along to 3MBS and do the presenter’s course. So I did.
My first program was Concerto which was from 10pm to midnight. I constructed a slightly fanciful menu for the program. I use the word 'menu' advisedly. I thought, let’s pretend this is a dinner party. I start with an amuse-bouche—something spritely and distinctive to liven the spirits. Then we have a fish course that was something unusual which you haven’t heard or a composer you haven’t heard—something for garden hose and percussion, for example. Then you have the main course that was something people recognise like a Tchaikovsky work. Then you have the sweet course that was a delightful fluffy something or other.
Author: Nick Sharman: What have you learnt about broadcasting?
You have to find your own voice. One of the great strengths of 3MBS, which may be a weakness as well, is that there is a huge range of different presenters all of whom are quite strong themselves. The mistake is to try and copy someone else.
I think the major challenge for 3MBS, and I don’t know another organisation like it where the reliance is on volunteers, but the volunteers have so much autonomy and the challenge is to manage that autonomy. The presenters can choose what they want to play, how they play it and present the music. Not many of the volunteers are shrinking violets either. They are highly opinionated, professional people who have been in senior roles. This can be difficult to manage if they don’t, from a management point of view, do what you want.
There is something rather special about the physical location of 3MBS. It’s just lovely being in the Abbotsford Convent arts precinct, as it’s a great space and it has a calming atmosphere. I think things would be different if we were located on the thirteenth floor of a city office block.
I’m an extrovert. There is something about when the red light goes on and you go to air. There’s a magical, slightly altered perspective it’s like being a performer.
I talk about 3MBS as my family. There is a collegial warmth of mutual support. It isn’t competitive where people are trying to score points from you. People share their experiences and advise.