After spending six years in the United States Air Force as a communications specialist, Ross Trotter, Norristown, transitioned to life as a full-time student at Montgomery County Community College.
“I knew I was interested in studying music and video production, as well as journalism and the ins about outs of the mass media industry,” he said. “I heard that MCCC is one of the best places in the country to do that, and I wasn’t disappointed.”
In 2009, Trotter enrolled in MCCC’s Digital Audio Production program at the Central Campus in Blue Bell. He graduated magna cum laude in May with an Associate in Applied Science degree and has since transferred to Gwynedd Mercy College to major in Business Management Administration. He plans to combine his audio and business skills to one day establish his own production house.
During his time MCCC, Trotter had the opportunity to get hands-on experience with audio and video production, frequently serving as producer and engineer for the College’s weekly radio show, “MC3 On the Air.”
Hosted by College President Dr. Karen A. Stout, the interview-style program airs weekly on WNPV 1440 AM in Lansdale and WBZH 1370 AM in Pottstown, as well as on the College’s student-run Internet station Montco Radio. It is also available on the College’s website and for download from its iTunes U page.
“It’s very cool to learn all the intricacies it takes to make professional broadcasts and to produce high quality audio and video productions,” said Trotter. “It’s gratifying to know that you’re good enough at recording and producing something as important as Dr. Stout’s show and that people are actually listening to your work.”
Trotter got involved in student life at the College, helping with all production-related activities that he could. He was an active member of the Communicating Arts Production Group (CAPG) and Montco Radio, for which he hosted his on show and served on its student board of directors. He was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa international honors society, and he was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges.
“Being on the radio and producing my own and others’ projects was a real thrill,” Trotter said. “This program is so much more then I expected, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering a career in this field.”
Digital Audio Production is just one of more than 85 programs that students can complete at MCCC’s Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. Registration is going on now for spring semester classes, which start on Jan. 18.
New students can learn about the admissions and registration processes by visiting
www.mc3.edu/admissions or by calling 215-641-6300 (Central Campus) or 610-718-1800 (West Campus).
Returning students can register for classes online via WebAdvisor, by mail or in person at the College’s campuses. For more information, visit
www.mc3.edu/admissions/registration.
To learn more about MCCC and to see all the College has to offer, schedule a visit to one of our campuses. Visits can now be scheduled online at
www.mc3.edu/admissions/visiting.
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by Alana J. Mauger
