Press Releases
CLASSICAL 89.5 KMFA VOLUNTEER CREATES NEW PROGRAM
Austin, Texas –Classical 89.5 KMFA will launch a new series of specials called Wind Sounds beginning Saturday, May 12th through May 26th. This unique three-week special will explore an almost endless variety of music composed for and performed by wind ensembles, bands, and wind instruments.
Wind Sounds is the brainchild of longtime volunteer and member Douglass Shands. During recent years Shands heard a desire expressed for more wind ensemble music on KMFA. Upon exploring the idea with station staff for a program comprised entirely of wind music, he discovered a plethora of music transcribed for winds. In fact, some pieces of music were originally written for winds then later made popular in orchestral versions.
“Most classical music listeners and even musicians don’t know that much about wind music, but there’s a lot of good material out there,” says Shands. “We’ll have everything from Handel to 21st Century compositions written for winds. I hope Wind Sounds listeners take away a newfound appreciation for wind music.”
KMFA’s General Manager, Jack Allen, said, “We’re pleased to see the genesis of a new programming idea come directly from our supporting community. This enhances the fact that KMFA is oriented to innovative programming that reflects the needs of the community, as well as education and good public service.”
Wind Sounds is produced locally in the studios of KMFA by Douglass Shands and Philip Pollack, and hosted by long-time KMFA afternoon announcer Rich Upton. Wind Sounds can be heard on KMFA Saturdays, May 12th through May 26th from noon to 2pm, as part of KMFA’s Saturday Matinee.
Classical 89.5 KMFA is a listener-supported, community radio station incorporated in 1967, relying on 90% of its funding from direct listener and business contributions. A noncommercial, classical format station, KMFA features both local programming and nationally distributed programming from Public Radio International, American Public Media and Minnesota Public Radio.
