Amanda Walz writesAmanda Walz on What Makes CHIRP Radio Special

I began volunteering at CHIRP Radio in January 2014 and started my weekly DJ shift in July 2014. I’d been a fan of the station and had known about it from the beginning, but it was time to get involved.

I’ve always been a music lover and was a college radio DJ, like so many of us, way back when. CHIRP is also a pretty cool way to learn new skills or hone some old ones. No previous radio experience is required to volunteer at CHIRP. I’ve written album reviews and promo scripts for the station. I’ve also just begun learning about radio production. What a great resource!

When I was a kid, my friends and I spent most of our free time hanging out at record stores and going to shows. I miss the camaraderie record stores and local live radio provide. Volunteering with CHIRP is a new way of keeping music and people connected.

Growing up in the Detroit area, I had a lot of public radio station options to listen to; from Detroit and Ann Arbor, to Toledo and Windsor. I was introduced to so many artists through local radio. That’s why I love CHIRP’s format and mission. Music brings people together, and that’s what CHIRP is about. From the Record Fair, to live music events, to tabling at street fairs, Chicago music lovers can come together and contribute to a fun community.

(Click here to contribute to CHIRP Radio's Spring fundraising efforts! Whether you become a sustaining member or make a one-time donation, your gift will help us keep local, independent radio thriving in Chicago!)