Note: a version of this piece originally appeared in the Traverse City Record-Eagle as part of the "Tuning In" series.
Here at Classical IPR, we are in the process of reimagining our programming for children and families.
As many of you know, longtime morning host Kate Botello departed IPR in October of this year. For nearly a decade, Kate was also the host of the daily program “Kids Commute,” which introduces children and families to classical music at 7:40 a.m. (We added a 3:20 p.m. airing a couple of years ago for the afternoon commuter crowd.)
Kids Commute was an outstanding program. Young audiences adored Kate, the tone was fun and sometimes silly, but serious topics weren’t off-limits either. Producer Emily Duncan Wilson created an engaging and dynamic soundscape in each episode. Each week had a specific theme and included a piece of music related to the theme. Plus, listeners could text in their answers to a quiz question, and hints each day helped them get to the answer by Friday.
With Kate’s departure, we are putting a pause on “Kids Commute” in that particular format and approach. The program was so deeply connected to her personality that any attempt to simply replace her as host would be a mistake. Imagine “Reading Rainbow” without LeVar Burton - that’s another example of how the beloved host of a long-running program simply can’t be replaced. (The jury is still out on Ryan Seacrest hosting “Wheel of Fortune,” by the way.)
Classical IPR is currently running a national search for a new host who will take the helm of our morning show as well as our children and family programming. We have interviewed promising, experienced candidates from around the country, one of whom we hope will join our staff early in 2025.
In the interim, during the daily Kids Commute time slot, we are airing pieces of classical music chosen and introduced by kids. We are also asking a daily quiz question. I want to be clear that this approach is just temporary until we bring in a new host.
By bringing in a new host, we have a chance to build a fresh approach to our children’s programming from the ground up. We have an opportunity to come up with new strategies or refine previous strategies.
What was working well in our previous approach? What can we add or remove? In a nutshell, how do we create programming that brings children and families closer to classical music?
We want to hear from you. Please click here and take our survey about classical music programming for kids and families. We are gathering information to help us chart a path forward.
You can also write to me directly at amanda.sewell@interlochen.org
Thank you for sharing your thoughts as we embark on a new and exciting chapter for children and family programming at Classical IPR.
