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 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 will be launching a survey later this month to invite current listeners to weigh in on what classical music programming and activities are attractive and compelling to them and to their families.
We also want to hear from you! Did you listen to classical music as a child? If so, how did you learn about it and connect with it? Have you shared classical music with your children, grandchildren or other kids in your life? What did you do to introduce them to it? Please send your thoughts and ideas to me at amanda.sewell@interlochen.org