Hosting American Public Media's "Performance Today"

One of my New Year's resolutions was to do a better job about keeping up my blog. I feel like there are so many interesting things that, if anything, I'd like a "written" record of, but we all know how New Year's resolutions go. 

Another resolution of mine, though, was to find ways to dig deeper into the world of public radio. Since beginning my post as "Afternoon Concert" host I've learned so much about so many things, including what a "digital billboard" is, the timelessness of "The Best of Car Talk", and most importantly, the effect classical music can have on a community. With those (and other) things in mind I continued the momentum I'd started for myself by making each show of mine the absolute best I could, and a couple months ago I got a call asking if I'd guest host Performance Today. 

This opportunity was one I took very seriously from the start, and I knew if I had any say concerning programming, I wanted to showcase the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Thanks to Visit Knoxville, we were able to make this happen, and the April 4th edition of the show will include Jeff Midkiff's Concerto for Mandolin and Orchestra, in a performance by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra from 2016. I also included in my wish list a performance of William Grant Still's "Afro-American" Symphony, as well as other pieces with ties to the south, making it a southern themed show! Also included on this program is a performance of music by Andy Miles that I was very happy to learn.

It's really been an honor to sit in for Fred Child on the April 4th episode of Performance Today, and I hope to find more opportunities to spread my love for classical music and public radio to even more national audiences in the future. Concerning my two New Year's resolutions, I'm fine with being at 50% right now, but with personal growth on my mind, who knows! Check your local public radio listings to hear this episode, or listen online here. 

- GM


It just so happens that this week is WUOT's Spring Pledge Drive. It's WUOT that served as my vehicle into the world of public radio both professionally and personally, and I hope you'd consider making a contribution to help us grow as Knoxville's NPR, Jazz, Classical, and public radio station by calling (865) 974-5500, or visiting WUOT.org.