???UB's student-run radio station, WRUB, took over the Student Union on Thursday, blasting music for all to hear.
???The station's Union coup also featured a live broadcast, games and giveaways.
???Students at the event received free CDs, posters, pizza and cotton candy.
???For James Ghazarian, the programming director for WRUB, the event was a chance for WRUB to reach out to students and get them more involved in the radio station.
???"This is our day to give back to the students," Ghazarian said. "We want to inform students of the resource that WRUB is to the Buffalo community and the UB community."
???Ghazarian pointed out that many people aren't aware of the fact that WRUB is not just an on-campus broadcast - the surrounding community can also tune in.
???According to Adriana Viverette, WRUB's general manager, students interested in pursuing a career in music or radio can gain field experience at the station. Students often look for internships off campus, not realizing that there is an opportunity right on campus, she said. The radio staff encouraged students to sign up for a DJ position for credit.
???"We want to let people know the radio station is here," Viverette said.
???In addition to providing hands-on experience, WRUB is also an outlet for underground and student-created music to be broadcast.
???According to Ghazarian, the station plays music 24 hours a day, yet many students in attendance didn't know very much about the radio station.
???"I didn't know we had (a radio station)," said Jodi Stephen, a freshman biology major.
???Jane Lyons, a freshman biomedical science major also didn't know about the station before the event, but said she was interested in finding out more about WRUB.
???"I think it's kind of cool that they do things like this. It gives you something to do during your break time," she said.
???Several activities were available for students to participate in, including musical chairs, a dance contest and sumo wrestling competitions. WRUB staff also hosted music trivia and a singing bee game to test students' knowledge of song lyrics.
???Daniel Simich, a freshman aerospace engineering major, enjoyed the event even though he doesn't listen to the station regularly.
???"I don't really listen to WRUB, but it seems like a good event," he said.
???Danielle Patrick, a freshman biology major, thought the WRUB Union takeover was effective in spreading the word about the Sub-Board, Inc.-funded organization.
???"I think a lot of people don't know about the radio station, so something like this will get them more listeners," Patrick said.
???WRUB broadcasts can be heard at wrub.buffalo.edu, on Campus Cable Channel seven. WRUB and is available through podcast.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
