Students launch radio show to safely share new music during pandemic

Student composers in Living Music, a student-run organization focused on promoting new music, have not let the COVID-19 pandemic squash their plans to launch a radio show on WKPS 90.7 The Lion. After months of planning, the weekly show launches Thursday, Oct. 8, at 8 p.m., with a remote interview between club president Tucker Johnson and Dr. Naomi Seidman, associate professor of music in flute and organizer of the School of Music’s “Together, Alone” faculty concert series. “Each week you will hear the unique interests and perspectives of Penn State students, faculty and other guests,” said Emily McPherson, a master of music candidate and one of the organizers of the radio show. “Our program will include a dynamic and diverse representation of the creative arts.” The premiere, focusing on improvisation in contemporary music, will also feature the Roadrunner trio performing Anthony Green’s “Uncomfortable Proximities” for clarinet, cello and accordion, and violinist Jenna Michael performing music for violin and electronics by Drew Smith. Planning for the show, conceived of as a live show but starting with pre-recorded podcast-style episodes due to the pandemic, began in the summer. Johnson, a senior majoring in music composition, said Living Music created the show in order to promote new music during a time when live concerts are not possible. “A radio show provides us a space to continue sharing the work that interests us in a format that keeps everyone safe.” For more information, follow Living Music on Facebook @pennstatelivingmusic.