Boombox Classroom, the nationally syndicated children's radio series about classical and world music produced by Sweet Bird Classics, was awarded the Fine Arts Radio International Award for 2003. In 2002, Boombox Classroom received the Golden Reel Award from the National Federation of Community Broadcasters for National Music Series.
The Monster and the Nightingale: this radio-drama with music is a co-production of the Zamir Chorale of Boston and Boombox Classroom. One day in the forest Jollip the music monster and his friends meet Shira the nightingale. Shira is the conductor of a choir of birds, who sing quite beautifully. Together they fly off on their quest to find a choir for Jollip who loves to sing, but can't seem to fit in anywhere. They land in Boston where they visit the Solomon Schechter Day School choir and the Zamir Chorale. Jollip hears some wonderful songs and learns about how a chorus makes music. At the end of his quest Jollip finds a song that even monsters can sing. The CD features a colorful booklet with illustrations of the story, and is suitable for ages two to ten.
Attention Program Directors: If you haven't auditioned Boombox Classroom yet, you might want to give it a listen. It's world and classical music for younger listeners, but the producers guarantee it won't chase away your adult listeners. As one adult wrote recently, "forget the kids. I want this information." Each season begins with episodes on the building blocks of music: Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, and Timbre. For more information, you can view a complete list of programs from year 1, year 2, year 3, or year 4. Nationally Boombox Classroom runs on 20 stations in 14 states. Programs are available free on CD to stations. Some stations air them on weekends; others use them as curriculum if their communities have too little music in the schools. Contact Producer Marty Ronish: mronish@flash.net
Independent production company Sweet Bird Classics has a new series available on The Roots of Latin Music, with the Boston-based Latin band, Sol y Canto. The show traces African, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Spanish, and South and Central American rhythms and instruments that permeate so-called "Latin Music." The programs are available free on CD, 4 half-hours that can be played as a couple of one-hour shows or a two-hour special. Very engaging.
Also, be sure to ask for a sample show from our new series Boombox Classroom. It's a 32-week series of world and classical music shows for younger listeners, but guaranteed not to chase away your adult listeners. The shows feature live artists from all over the world. They are available free on CD to stations. Contact Producer Marty Ronish: mronish@flash.net.
