Dan Shepard Speaks to Valencia Students

Dan Shepherd Speaks to Local Students

By: Sean Cary

ORLANDO, Fla.-- Local freelance field producer Dan Shepherd made a stop by the News Reporting class at Valencia Community College on Thursday. During his time in the classroom Shepherd spoke about his career in the news reporting business from his time as a camera man all the way through to his current position as a freelance field producer.

“The more you want to work the more you can make it in this business.” Shepherd said when asked about the nature of the job.

Shepherd has worked for such prestigious stations as NBC, CBS, CNN, and ESPN just to name a few. His job role consists of pitching ideas of news to the executives of these companies and then going out to report the stories when and if they approve.

“It can get very frustrating when the stories you get pitched turned down.”Shepherd explained to the students that in the news business you have to be willing to pick up and go at any instant. If there is a big story coming out somewhere and the network wants you to be there, then you have to be there.

“I’m pretty much on call 24/7,” Shepherd said describing his work schedule, “But then again you make more money when you do more work.”

Shepherd started out his career as a photographer and tape editor before working his way up to the position he has today. He admits that reaching the position he is at right now was somewhat lucky but Shepherd still maintains that the best way to move up in this business is to be willing to work.

Shepherd also let the students in on some of the cool experiences that he has been through which included covering the Super Bowl, 9-11, and Hurricane Katrina. Shepherd pointed out that while working in this business can be demanding, often times the rewards makes it all worthwhile.

Midge Fredrick Performs

Midge Fredrick Performs
By: Sean Cary

WINTER PARK, Fla.—Who would of thought that a middle aged woman performing by herself could create such a buzz? Midge Fredrick, a 44 year old mother of three, is finally living her dream, even though it took her a little longer than she desired.

“As a teen I dreamt of performing for others, I was going to be a star,” said Fredrick when asked about her love for music. Fredrick began writing songs and playing the guitar when she was 12 years old, saying she would dream of performing for large crowds. Unfortunately life got in the way as Fredrick had to focus on making a living and raising her children.

“As a young adult I continued to work on songs but didn’t have the drive, funds or esteem to really make it happen. As I raised my three girls I would sing to them constantly and make up songs about them or change words to other songs to make them fit.”

Nowadays Fredrick is finally living her dream, well sort of. While she isn’t performing for a sold out audience in a large venue she is still performing for people, and that’s more than this middle aged woman could ask for.

Fredrick started out performing for rehab centers, nursing and retirement homes, and assisted living centers. Recently Fredrick has been performing for local coffee shops and bookstores.

“Midge is vivacious, and wonderfully versatile,” said Carol Vurfield of Sanford. Vurfield first heard Fredrick when she performed for the Rehab Center she works for and has been in contact and attending Fredrick’s shows ever since.

Fredrick describes her repertoire of music styles as “ever expanding.” She plays folk rock, the classics, country, and even holiday tunes. Fredrick doesn’t limit herself to one type of music but rather feeds off what the audience is going for.

“I get a feel for the audience then adjust.”

For more on Midge Fredrick visit her MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/mmagnmidge