// Sound Artist //

// Community Builder //

// Story Listener //

Hello! My name is Solon, and I’d love to be WBUR’s Arts Reporting Fellow.

Welcome to my application! Here you’ll find three writing clips, a resume, and even a little treat for those who have a soft spot for 90s pop ballads.

I’m currently working as the Chief Operating Officer of George’s Coney Island, my family’s 105-year-old restaurant in Worcester, MA. While I'm very proud of the work I’ve done with the family restaurant, I also want to follow the passions I have for audio storytelling. My family has a history of taking on interests and even careers in addition to the restaurant. My grandfather was a Greek Orthodox priest, and my mom has published a book. Me? I love sounds and turning them into stories.

It’s this love of audio storytelling that calls me to pursue creative projects in my time away from the restaurant. I’ve worked as a freelance editor and producer for mostly medical education podcasts since completing my M.A. in Sound Arts & Industries in August 2020. In 2021, I received a grant to develop and conduct an oral history project interviewing local musicians during the pandemic. I’m currently working on an accompanying podcast featuring those interviews. You can hear a clip from that podcast below: writing clip #1, “Carlos Odria.”

For me, the Arts Reporting Fellowship would be an opportunity to introduce myself to the WBUR team as a reliable arts producer, who enjoys working both independently and as part of a team. I’d like to do good work and make a lasting impression, so that when it makes sense to call on me as a freelancer, you know you have someone who can do the job well.

I’d also cherish the opportunity to learn from the work and further hone my skills as a storyteller. I admire the WBUR team, and I know I’d be taking notes from fascinating and talented individuals.

Thank you for stopping by my URL! Don’t sleep on the Donna Lewis remix at the bottom of the page. If we get the chance, I look forward to speaking with you and maybe even working together on some great arts reporting too!

Kind regards,

Solon

“Carlos Odria” (2022)

producer, editor, host

In 2022, I received a grant from the Worcester Arts Council and the Mass Cultural Coalition to create an oral history project and podcast that featured local musicians in Worcester, MA.

This clip introduces the featured artist of the episode, Carlos Odria.

I produced this clip using original interview material, edited music by the artist, and archival audio from the BBC sound library.

(clip length: 3 minutes)

Link to full episode

I also designed the cover art. :o)

“Stories During Challenging Times” (2020)

producer, editor, host

My second writing clip is from a popular medical education podcast called Core IM. In addition to producing and editing the opening sequence in this clip, you’ll also hear me introduce myself as one of the two narrators. Editor-in-Chief Shreya Trivedi would be happy to speak on my contributions as a freelance editor over the last two years.

(clip length: 3 minutes, 7 seconds)

Link to full episode & transcript

“Helen Stratford” (2020)

producer, editor

I created this 3.5 minute profile as an assignment for a Radio Documentary class within my graduate program in Sound Arts & Industries from Northwestern University.

I met Helen years earlier living in the East Village in NYC, and since we’re kindred spirits, we've stayed in touch.