Siren of the Stage

By Misty Harris

I’m a huge Gershwin fan (the team of Ira and George). I mean who doesn’t love Rhapsody in Blue, right? Other favorites include An American in Paris, I Got Rhythm and the Cuban Overture. But my absolute favorite has to be the opera Porgy and Bess. I don’t remember when I first heard it but I’ve heard several variations of it, especially, perhaps the most popular of song from the opera, Summertime.  The most memorable and most loved (for me at least) is the version sung by jazz singer Sarah Vaughan. Jazz pianist/vocalist Nina Simone also has a wonderfully haunting version of another piece in the opera titled I Loves You Porgy. And if you really want to be blown away (pun intended) listen to Miles Davis’ CD titled Porgy and Bess.  It’s awesome.

Not So Buried Treasure!

By Misty Harris

Photos by  Eileen Koteras

 

Did you make it to the WNED|WBFO Antiques Home Show? Were you shocked at the value of the vintage items you brought for appraisal? Tell us about your experience and check out a few of the items that stood out during this past weekend's event. Also, follow us on our Instagram page to take a peek at more fabulous finds and fun photos by WNED_WBFO (our user name) by using #ANTIQUESHOMESHOW, #WBFO, #WBFO or #Classical945WNED. Thank you all for coming and be sure to keep looking in your nooks and crannies for your buried treasure and bring them with you next year!

 

 

Spring in Bloom

By WNED / WBFO Staffers

Now that the weather is finally changing (we've had a great stretch of warm temps), everyone is spending a lot more time outdoors. The flowers are blooming and the trees are full of leaves! Spring has finally sprung. We asked our ever so talented WNED staffers to grab a camera or camera phone and snap some shots of  the season in bloom. Take a look at a few of our photos and connect with us on Instagram to see more. Follow WNED_WBFO and look for our photos with #wnedspringinbloom,  #WNED, #WBFO, or  #Classical945WNED.

May’s Top Five Military Programs

By Steve Karosik

There’s no shortage of riveting and educational military/war-related documentaries this month on WNED-TV leading up to Memorial Day. Here’s five of the can’t-miss programs:

Thank you, teachers!

By Beth Fronckowiak, WNED/ThinkBright manager of learning/technology

How often do you speak to your child’s teacher? How often do you thank them for their work? Tuesday, May 7 is National Teacher Day. Please take this opportunity to think about everything your children’s teachers do for them every day. Your child spends most of their waking hours in school. It’s really like a second home. A teacher’s job goes beyond academics and test preparation. Your children are also learning social and emotional skills from their teachers. Who should they go to for help when being bullied? Their teacher. Who can show them how they should respond when an administrator says “Good Morning?” Their teacher. Who frequently gives guidance in developing and maintaining friendships? Their teacher. Who disciplines them when they step out of line (maybe literally!)? Their teacher. Of course, much of this is learned from parents, but teachers are really a valuable support that many people don’t think about. Teachers provide much more than test preparation. What can you give your children’s teachers? A simple, heart-felt thank you goes a long way.

How to Help a Child Choose the Right Musical Instrument

By Marty Wimmer

If a child is lucky enough to attend a school with a band program, choosing the correct instrument can be a challenge. In addition to being an announcer on Classical 94.5 WNED, I am also a full-time elementary band director in the Depew UFSD. One of the most important things I do is help children select the right instrument.

One Small (Carbon) Step

By Misty Harris

Every year my high school alma mater does a national day of caring sometime in the spring.  During my tenure as an alum board member, I heavily participated in this annual event. One particular year we organized a cleaning project with one of the local parks here in Buffalo. So off I went with my rake (it was a BYOR event) and met up with several other “volunteer cleaners” early on a cold, rainy Saturday morning. We split up into groups of four or five and began cleaning our section of the park.  While raking, we picked up a lot more than just leaves. From bottles to things a little more on the dangerous side, we collected items that have no place on the ground. And while we and the other volunteers piled up garbage bags by the dozens, there was still lots to be done by the time my shift was over. I didn’t feel like I accomplished much but I did feel good about my efforts.