Making More of Music

A program director emailed us recently and implored us to remember the power of music on the radio. We have been busy looking for the right hosts to introduce new audiences to that power.

A few of our potential hosts fit the bill. One is a conductor who has claimed many "firsts" in her career – the first woman to conduct a major American orchestra, and the first conductor to be named a MacArthur Fellow. She carries the baton from earlier great conductors, such as her teacher Leonard Bernstein.

We have also reached out to a highly skilled jazz pianist who not only entertains but also redefines genres. He's known for transforming hip-hop standards into jazz classics and reinventing the notion of "gangersterism." He has also been a lecturer and teacher at prestigious music schools across the country, and he and his family created a scholarship to recognize an outstanding junior and senior in jazz.

Another influential voice on the music scene is a journalist, novelist, former editor-at-large for Time, Inc. and former editor-in-chief at Vibe. She has also written for publications such as Rolling Stone, Spin, and knows a lot about Tupac Shakur.

Working with the strengths of these music mavens, we're bound to see some sparks!

On that "note," we'd like to end this entry by saying thanks to everyone who has been involved in this process so far. To those who have exchanged ideas with us over email or coffee, have guided us with technical or moral support, or have generously advised us about our pool of host talent – we offer our sincerest gratitude.