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Every Friday morning, upbeat music fills the halls of Academy360 Upper School as DJ Matt “The Hawk” announces and plays songs to fill requests from students and staff. Now 19 ½, Matt is in his first year of the A360 Upper School Young Adult Program (YAP). It’s a great way to start the day, with lively tunes that energizes everyone entering the building and puts a smile on their faces. “I wish we started every day with Matt’s music!” one fan on the staff remarked.
I recently sat down with for a Q & A with Matt to learn more about how he became A360 US DJ’s.
When did you first become interested in music?
I’ve loved music since I was a baby. My mom would turn on the radio while we were in the car and I just always loved it. My favorite songs when I was a little kid were Bring Me To Life by Evanessence and A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton
What made you want to be a DJ?
I was inspired by CBS FM 101.1 DJ Broadway Bill Lee. I like the way he rhymes when he speaks and the Oldies music that he plays. He mostly plays music from the 70’s to the 90’s.
How long have you been a DJ at A360 US?
I’ve been a DJ here since 2015. At that time, I DJ’ed for one of our pep rallies, and our principal, Ms. Muir and instructional aide, Ms. Ball, felt that I did such a good job, they asked me if I wanted a regular show on Friday mornings. I was very excited! This is my first DJ job. I also DJ for the annual A360 Health Fair and for our parties.
How do you choose the songs to play?
Sometimes Ms. Ball gives me a theme to work with and sometimes I choose songs from the request box in the front office. Mrs. Muir and I check the lyrics for each song before I play them to make sure it is appropriate. You have to listen carefully because sometimes there are curse words that make the songs inappropriate to play.
What kind of music do you like?
I personally like Oldies, Country, Pop, and Rock. I also like some Heavy Metal and occasionally Rap.
Is this a hobby or would you like to be a professional DJ?
I’d like to be a part-time DJ at a radio station. But I want to go to college an study broadcasting. I’m good at computers, so maybe I’ll study technology too.
Are you available to hire for parties?
Yes!
Anything else you’d like to tell me?
Well, I don’t like to brag, but I know about radio stations across the nation. I look up lots of radio stations…AM, FM, and Satellite… so I can tell you about stations in lots of different places in the U.S.
Also, I like to sing. I’m a member of the A360 US chorus, “The Notables”.
Thanks, Matt, for starting every Friday off on a good note!
Jenni
fer Miller is the Public Information Officer and Family Liasion at Spectrum360. She can regularly be seen at Spectrum360 programs with a a camera, pad, and pen in hand, recording the amazing things that are happening. A social worker for many years, Ms. Miller morphed her career into non-profit marketing and communications in order to help organizations promote their good works. When not at work, Jennifer enjoys cooking, reading, various artistic endeavors, and socializing with friends and family.