Podcasts about cpr classical

Colorado gets important things from Canada, like gas and lumber, and, when it comes to U.S. tariffs, Canada's Consul General in Denver is perplexed. Then, "The Trip," CPR's series about Colorado's journey to legalize psychedelics. This time, the long view: the Indigenous view of plant-based medicine. Then, Colorado Wonders why the Front Range is sometimes colder than higher elevations. Plus, long-time CPR Classical host Jean Inaba signs off. 

Relax and escape from your everyday hustle and bustle with the 9th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza! Recorded at the historic Central Presbyterian Church in Denver, this year's tradition includes headliner Kayla Marque, a Denver singer/songwriter; Joshua Danger Emerson, a Dine' Navajo comedian and regular at the Comedy Works who founded the award-winning comedy troupe and production company, DeadRoom Comedy; Scott O'Neil, former Colorado Symphony resident conductor who hosts "Behind the Baton" on CPR Classical; poet, artist and entrepreneur Confidence Omenai of Aurora; and Rabbi Joe Black of Temple Emanuel in Denver with an original song for Hanukkah. 

Relax and escape from your everyday hustle and bustle with the 9th annual Colorado Matters Holiday Extravaganza! Recorded at the historic Central Presbyterian Church in Denver, this year's tradition includes headliner Kayla Marque, a Denver singer/songwriter; Joshua Danger Emerson, a Dine' Navajo comedian and regular at the Comedy Works who founded the award-winning comedy troupe and production company, DeadRoom Comedy; Scott O'Neil, former Colorado Symphony resident conductor who hosts "Behind the Baton" on CPR Classical; poet, artist and entrepreneur Confidence Omenai of Aurora; and Rabbi Joe Black of Temple Emanuel in Denver with an original song for Hanukkah. 

He's a been a game show host abroad, a professor of classical music and a musician in a world where diversity is still hard to come by. Now he's made history in Colorado.

He's a been a game show host abroad, a professor of classical music and a musician in a world where diversity is still hard to come by. Now he's made history in Colorado.

Sometimes you need a little extra motivation, and music is a great place to look for it. A well-crafted song can tell a story that makes listeners feel confident, carefree or powerful. If you love uplifting choruses and pounding beats, check out these empowerment anthems by artists like Run-DMC, Koji Kondo and Jane Zhang. Stuff to think about after you've listened: What kinds of sounds are empowering to you? How would you include them in a song you are creating? When you want to feel empowered, what song is your go-to? What story does it tell? Ready to explore more empowering musical stories? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians use sound to tell stories about our lives. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts: Rebekah Romberg and Luis Antonio Perez Lead producer: Rebekah Romberg Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Additional production and editing: Jo Erickson, Erin Jones, Emily Williams Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer and David Ginder at CPR Classical, Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, Jon Pinnow, Doug Clifton and all the teachers, parents and students who listened and helped us develop this podcast.

We all struggle with how to cope when we lose someone we care about. So how do musicians use those universal feelings to tell stories about death and grief? This episode looks at some moving examples, including music from songwriter Chalino Sánchez, composer Benjamin Britten and the musical Dear Evan Hansen. And just a quick note: this episode is a little sadder than most of our episodes, so you might feel some strong feelings if you listen. Stuff to think about after you've listened: What musical sounds represent death to you? How might that be different from another person you know? Which song from the episode stands out to you as a way to think about death? Ready to explore more musical stories about death? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians express emotions through sound. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts: Rebekah Romberg and Luis Antonio Perez Lead producer: Rebekah Romberg Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Additional production and editing: Jo Erickson, Erin Jones, Emily Williams Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer and David Ginder at CPR Classical, Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, Jon Pinnow, Doug Clifton and all the teachers, parents and students who listened and helped us develop this podcast.

Protest music is about highlighting problems in society and calling for change. And telling a story through music is an especially powerful way to move a listener to action. Check out some potent sonic storytelling about human rights, the environment and anti-colonialism from artists like Yothu Yindi, Hurray For The Riff Raff and Joni Mitchell. Content warning: This episode covers some topics that might be unsettling for some younger listeners. It's the kind of material you might learn in a high school history class, rather than in elementary school history. You might want to listen to a different episode of Music Blocks if you're around younger ears. Stuff to think about after you've listened: Is there something you want to protest? What sounds would you use to communicate your protest? What songs do you know that would support something you want to protest? Ready to explore more protest music? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians use sound to tell stories about our lives. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg Lead producer: Rebekah Romberg Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Additional production and editing: Jo Erickson, Erin Jones, Emily Williams Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer and David Ginder at CPR Classical, Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, Jon Pinnow, Doug Clifton and all the teachers, parents and students who listened and helped us develop this podcast.

Music gives us a soundtrack for some of the most memorable moments in each of our stories, from graduation ceremonies to holiday celebrations. Here's a look at festive sounds and traditional stories from around the world. Each song might not tell a story of its own, but this music helps frame our own personal stories in potent ways. Stuff to think about after you've listened: We mentioned weddings, sporting events, graduation, and holiday ceremonies in our episode. What kinds of ceremonies do you think deserve their own kind of music? What is a favorite song that you hear at a ceremony? Ready to explore more music from all kinds of ceremonies and celebrations? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians use sound to tell stories about our lives. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg Lead producer: Rebekah Romberg Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Additional production and editing: Jo Erickson, Erin Jones, Emily Williams Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer and David Ginder at CPR Classical, Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, Jon Pinnow, Doug Clifton and all the teachers, parents and students who listened and helped us develop this podcast.

A great song might not heal a broken heart, but it's a moving way to tell a story when someone or something leaves you feeling shattered. Here's a look at the clever techniques musicians use to share stories of heartache. Get ready for sad, weary sounds from Ella Fitzgerald, Katy Perry and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Stuff to think about after you've listened: Are there particular sounds, artists, or songs that you connect with feeling heartbreak? Which of the songs in the episode stood out to you with a connection to your experience with heartbreak? Ready to explore more music about home? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians use sound to tell stories about our lives. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts: Rebekah Romberg and Luis Antonio Perez Lead producer: Rebekah Romberg Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Additional production and editing: Jo Erickson, Erin Jones, Emily Williams Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer and David Ginder at CPR Classical, Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, Jon Pinnow, Doug Clifton and all the teachers, parents and students who listened and helped us develop this podcast.

Music is a powerful way to tell a story about the place you call home. A composer could write music about a place using a simple and evocative melody. A songwriter might write an anthem to evoke a sense of unity and pride. In this episode, we hear musical stories about home from artists like Jean Sibelius, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen and Howard Shore – along with a pair of memorable national anthems. Stuff to think about after you've listened: Is there a song that reminds you of home or a place where you really feel like you belong? If you created a song about your home, what sounds or musical ideas would you use? Ready to explore more music about home? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians use sound to tell stories about our lives. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg Lead producer: Rebekah Romberg Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Additional production and editing: Jo Erickson, Erin Jones, Emily Williams Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer and David Ginder at CPR Classical, Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, Jon Pinnow, Doug Clifton and all the teachers, parents and students who listened and helped us develop this podcast.

Work is a big part of life. Sometimes you have a dull job to do, and music helps take your mind off it. And sometimes we like to hear stories that celebrate hard work and achievement. Here's a look at how musicians like Harry Belafonte, Waylon Jennings, Drake and Dolly Parton use their songs to tell stories about work. Stuff to think about after you've listened: Do you have a playlist with your favorite style of music to listen to while you work or study? If you created a song about your work, what sounds or musical ideas would you use? Ready to explore more musical love stories? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians express emotions through sound. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts: Rebekah Romberg and Luis Antonio Perez Lead producer: Rebekah Romberg Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Additional production and editing: Jo Erickson, Erin Jones, Emily Williams Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer and David Ginder at CPR Classical, Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, Jon Pinnow, Doug Clifton and all the teachers, parents and students who listened and helped us develop this podcast.

Love is a favorite topic for songwriters. That's partly because music is such a great way to tell a love story. Here's a look at how artists like Taylor Swift, José Alfredo Jiménez and Giacomo Puccini use sounds to tell stories of romance, longing and unabashed adoration. Stuff to think about after you've listened: What are sounds, artists, or songs that you associate with feeling love?  This episode mentions romantic love and familial love. What other kinds of love have you experienced? Can you name a song that captures that kind of love?  Ready to explore more musical love stories? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians express emotions through sound. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg Lead producer: Rebekah Romberg Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Additional production and editing: Jo Erickson, Erin Jones, Emily Williams Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer and David Ginder at CPR Classical, Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, Jon Pinnow, Doug Clifton and all the teachers, parents and students who listened and helped us develop this podcast.

Spirituals are rooted in a history of pain and hope. Today, Colorado Matters presents a "Journey to Freedom" with the Spirituals Project Choir based at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music. Our colleagues at CPR Classical spent the last year sharing spirituals chosen by the choir's director, M. Roger Holland II. The collaboration culminated in a special event at DU's Newman Center.

Spirituals are rooted in a history of pain and hope. Today, Colorado Matters presents a "Journey to Freedom" with the Spirituals Project Choir based at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music. Our colleagues at CPR Classical spent the last year sharing spirituals chosen by the choir's director, M. Roger Holland II. The collaboration culminated in a special event at DU's Newman Center.

Surprises can be wonderful or shocking, delightful or jarring. And when musicians find clever ways to surprise listeners, things get really interesting. Here's a look at unpredictable music from Björk, Igor Stravinsky, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Claude Debussy and The Yoshida Brothers. Stuff to think about after you've listened: Which of the ideas of surprise in music that were featured in this episode do you want to listen to again? What are some ways to use sound that are surprising to you? Ready to explore more surprising sounds? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians express emotions through sound. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts and Producers: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg Editors: Jo Erickson and Dennis Funk Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer at CPR Classical, Bruce Trujillo and Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, and all the teachers and students who shared feedback and attended virtual focus groups as we developed this podcast.

Happiness is one of the most basic human emotions and a feeling composers often express through music. But what makes a piece of music sound joyful? Hear how Pharrell Williams, Ludwig van Beethoven, Red Velvet, Prince Nico Mbarga and John Coltrane have conveyed happiness through their music. Stuff to think about after you've listened: What are some sounds that you associate with happiness? What are songs that you listen to when you are experiencing happiness? What made you choose these songs? Ready to explore more music about happiness? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians express emotions through sound. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts and Producers: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg Editors: Jo Erickson and Dennis Funk Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer at CPR Classical, Bruce Trujillo and Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, and all the teachers and students who shared feedback and attended virtual focus groups as we developed this podcast.

Fear is primal. It's how we react to the unknown. And when composers and songwriters set out to make frightful music, it opens up a world of creative possibilities. We'll hear vivid examples from John Williams, Modest Mussorgsky, John Carpenter, Christian Scott and The Shirelles. Stuff to think about after you've listened: What do you think is the best way to express fear in music? Which song in the episode was the most fearful to you? Ready to explore more frightful music? Check out our playlists on Spotify and Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians express emotions through sound. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts and Producers: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg Editors: Jo Erickson and Dennis Funk Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer at CPR Classical, Bruce Trujillo and Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, and all the teachers and students who shared feedback and attended virtual focus groups as we developed this podcast.

Angry music can feel potent, like a release of pressure for a singer or a musician. So how do musicians express anger in creative ways? Check out some anger-inspired sounds from Fela Kuti, Alabama Shakes, The Clash, Netta and Coolio. Stuff to think about after you've listened: What is a style of music that you turn to when you are angry? What are some sounds that you associate with feeling angry? Ready to explore more angry songs? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians express emotions through sound. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts and Producers: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg Editors: Jo Erickson and Dennis Funk Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer at CPR Classical, Bruce Trujillo and Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, and all the teachers and students who shared feedback and attended virtual focus groups as we developed this podcast.

Grab a box of tissues. This episode of Music Blocks is about the powerful and inventive ways musicians take sadness and turn it into memorable music. We'll hear examples from Four Tet, Charles Mingus, Samuel Barber, Joeboy, Youssou N'Dour and Neneh Cherry. Stuff to think about after you've listened: Sometimes when we are sad, we want to feel that emotion. Are there songs that you play that help you to feel sad? Think about a person or an event that you want to write a sad song about. What kinds of sounds would you use? Ready to explore more sad sounds? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians express emotions through sound. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts and Producers: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg Editors: Jo Erickson and Dennis Funk Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer at CPR Classical, Bruce Trujillo and Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, and all the teachers and students who shared feedback and attended virtual focus groups as we developed this podcast.

Disgust is a powerful emotion, but you might be surprised at the nuanced music it can inspire. We'll hear deeply personal statements alongside stunning protest music from artists like Billie Holiday, Anderson .Paak, Billie Eilish, Agnes Obel, Daniel Viglietti and Krystof Penderecki. Content warning: This episode covers some topics that might be unsettling for some younger listeners. It's the kind of material you might learn in a high school history class, rather than in elementary school history. You might want to listen to a different episode of Music Blocks if you're around younger ears. Stuff to think about after you've listened: What sounds would you choose to express the feeling of disgust? What are some things that make you feel disgusted? Can you write a short poem or rhyme to express these things? Ready to explore sounds connected to disgust? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians express emotions through sound. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts and Producers: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg Editors: Jo Erickson and Dennis Funk Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer at CPR Classical, Bruce Trujillo and Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, and all the teachers and students who shared feedback and attended virtual focus groups as we developed this podcast.

Sometimes a musical phrase or a single line of lyrics can unlock those bad feelings we've tried to hide. Music can be a powerful way to capture the mood when we feel anxious, chaotic or a little bit numb. This episode features music about feeling bad from Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, Radiohead, Hakki Bulut, Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard. Stuff to think about after you've listened: “Bad” can be a vague description of a feeling. What were some of the “bad”-feeling music selections that stood out to you from the episode? Would you describe the emotion in that music a different way? What's a song you know that you associate with feeling bad? Ready to explore more music about feeling bad? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians express emotions through sound. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts and Producers: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg Editors: Jo Erickson and Dennis Funk Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer at CPR Classical, Bruce Trujillo and Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, and all the teachers and students who shared feedback and attended virtual focus groups as we developed this podcast.

It doesn't get much better than feeling confident, triumphant and optimistic. Translating a really good feeling into music opens the door for lots of creativity. Here's a peek at how musicians like Janelle Monae, Lil Nas X, Shania Twain, Jimmy Cliff, Gustav Holst and Nina Simone made incredible sounds about feeling great. Stuff to think about after you've listened: What is a groove that you want to hear when you feel good? When we feel good, we often want to move and dance. What are songs that make you feel good and want to move or dance? Ready to explore more music about feeling good? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music. This is one of eight Music Blocks episodes exploring how musicians express emotions through sound. You can listen in any order. Find more episodes, discussion questions and playlists at MusicBlocksPodcast.org. Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: Hello@MusicBlocksPodcast.org Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio. Hosts and Producers: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg Editors: Jo Erickson and Dennis Funk Education Advisor: Carla Aguilar, Ph.D. Executive Producer: Brad Turner Thank you: Monika Vischer at CPR Classical, Bruce Trujillo and Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, and all the teachers and students who shared feedback and attended virtual focus groups as we developed this podcast.

Sen. John Hickenlooper talks about the newest round of COVID relief and what's left to do, plus filibusters and immigration. Then, a caterer in Pueblo on making it through the pandemic. And, with Colorado preparing for the snow storm this weekend, should you worry about your roof? Also, remembering CPR Classical's own Ray White.

Sen. John Hickenlooper talks about the newest round of COVID relief and what's left to do, plus filibusters and immigration. Then, a caterer in Pueblo on making it through the pandemic. And, with Colorado preparing for the snow storm this weekend, should you worry about your roof? Also, remembering CPR Classical's own Ray White.

Composer David Rakowski loves to write piano etudes. He’s created 100 of them. Etudes developed in the 19th century as short practice pieces . They help musicians focus on a technique or build strength or dexterity. Many -- like the etudes of Frederic Chopin -- were also beautiful. David has carried the tradition into the 21st century, writing etudes based on funk riffs and cell phone rings. And one of the pianists who helped him do it is Amy Briggs -- a Boulder-based musician who runs extreme distances in the mountains when she’s not performing or teaching. Hear Amy play five of David Rakowski's etudes, and get the story behind them, in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

Composer Benjamin Park felt exhausted during the 2016 election. He remembers the nonstop political coverage and the growing tension within the United States. He decided to write music that embodied the disconnect -- and addressed the division. Ben used portions of the melody from "America the Beautiful" to write a piece about the harsh political divide in our country. He also took inspiration from the majestic landscape of Boulder. You'll hear a recording of Benjamin Parks's "For Purple Mountains" in the CPR Performance Studio -- played by musicians from the Flatirons Chamber Music Festival -- on this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

Composer Paul Lansky was a pioneer in computer music -- sounds generated and manipulated by a computer. And then, after decades as an innovative composer of computer music, Paul stopped. He switched his focus to writing for live musicians. He's particularly fond of working with percussionists. This is the story of Paul's journey from the frontier of computer music to the pieces he writes now. You'll also hear a complete performance of "Travel Diary" -- a percussion piece played by the Meehan/Perkins Duo, recorded live at the Bravo! Vail music festival -- in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

​Composer Jessica Meyer recently had the kind of experience that gives musicians nightmares. She traveled to the desert in northwestern Colorado to perform a new piece in concert on her viola. It was built on layers of electronic loops. But the unique acoustics at the venue -- known simply as The Tank -- caused those loops to dissolve into a squall of feedback. So Jessica tossed aside the music she’d carefully composed and created something unlike anything she’d written before. She called it “Luminous Prison.” Hear the world premiere of the piece, and the emotional backstory, in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

Daniel Kellogg, who teaches composition at the University of Colorado, loves the string quartet. Some of history's greatest composers wrote their most extraordinary music for two violins, a viola and a cello. So Daniel took the job seriously when he set out to write a big statement that he ultimately called String Quartet No. 1. He had worked up to it. He wrote a half-dozen pieces for string quartet before he composed this one. Hear a recording of the world premiere of String Quartet No. 1 -- played by the Grammy-winning Pacifica Quartet at the Aspen Music Festival & School -- in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

Composer David Ludwig wrote his piece "Pangaea" as a "prehistoric 'Carnival of the Animals.'" It's about a time in Earth's history when there was one supercontinent, a vast ocean and a frightening die-off that wiped out most species on the planet. Hear the haunting "Pangaea," performed at the Bravo! Vail music festival by Anne-Marie McDermott, Calder Quartet, Lyris Quartet, Aeolus Quartet and bassist Rachel Calin -- and get the story behind David's piece -- in the Season 2 premiere of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

A brand new week is here and with it, a brand new week of Public Media Daily episodes. Call this one Episode #11 if you're keeping track. Highlights from Friday-Sunday, April 27th-29th include...1) NPR's Research, Archives and Data Strategy (RAD) unit will soon digitize "Enfoque Nacional," NPR's first-ever Spanish-language program, thanks to an almost $37,000 grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR).2) Public radio stations winning awards from the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).3) Abigail Beckman will be the new local host for "Morning Edition" on 91.5 KRCC Colorado Springs.4) An update on the Ozarks Public Television (OPTV) transmitter tower situation.5) Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) will be conducting some maintenance on four of its stations during the month of May.6) Colorado Public Radio (CPR) has expanded its reach of CPR Classical to the Fort Range and into Northern Colorado for the first time in a decade.7) Technical problems include: WCNY-TV 24 Syracuse and CPR both conducting maintenance again over the weekend.For more episodes or just to catch up, subscribe on Messy Bun, Apple Podcasts, Player FM, RadioPublic, Stitcher, Castbox, Overcast, Short Orange or wherever you prefer to listen.Follow us on Twitter @PubMediaFans for more news and content.

Composer Nathan Hall is fascinated with the huge, vibrant paintings of abstract painter Clyfford Still. Nathan recently set out to compose music about about Still, and combed through the painter's writings to set some of the colorful passages to music. Hear "Notes From Clyfford Still," performed by the Playground Ensemble in the CPR Performance Studio -- and hear how Nathan created the piece -- in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

Composer Michael Ippolito tried an unusual approach when he wrote a piece for the Altius Quartet. He sat down with a cello, instrument he'd barely played since middle school. His experiments with an instrument he’d largely forgotten how to play took his music to surprising places. Hear Michael Ippolito’s String Quartet No. 4 performed by the Altius Quartet in the CPR Performance Studio -- and the backstory of this new piece -- in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

Composer Julia Wolfe lives in Lower Manhattan, just blocks from where the Twin Towers once stood. She and her family watched 9/11 unfold around them, and dealt with the aftermath. She wrote one of her most stark, concise works as a response. She called it “Compassion.” Hear the piece performed in concert by pianist Conrad Tao at the Aspen Music Festival and School -- and more of Julia's story -- in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

Composer Loretta Notareschi remembers early motherhood as one of the hardest moments of her life. She felt completely in love with her infant daughter but she also grappled with a frightening postpartum mood disorder. She decided to use music to tell her story, and start a conversation with others going through the same thing. Hear Loretta’s piece, “String Quartet OCD,” performed by the Playground Ensemble String Quartet in the CPR Performance Studio, and the story behind the composition, in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

Composer Kevin Michael Olson used to work in a lab that developed military technology. And he wrote about that experience in his music. It sounded pretty dark. So one day, he wanted to write something that sounded less heavy. The piano music that came out sounded more complicated than he intended. It’s filled with stark contrasts. He called it “Dichotomiae.” Hear pianist Hsing-ay Hsu play the piece in an exclusive CPR Performance Studio session, and the story behind the composition, in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

Composer Egemen Kesikli spent last summer in his home country of Turkey. He was waiting to return to the United States, where he studied composition at the University of Colorado. Then Egemen heard about the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. Forty-nine people died at the popular gay club. Egemen, who is gay, felt horrified. He dealt with the shock by writing a string quartet. Hear an exclusive CPR Performance Studio recording of the piece played by Playground Ensemble -- and the story of how Egemen shaped his sadness into music -- in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

The contemporary chamber ensemble yMusic set out to make a different kind of classical record with its latest release. The group enlisted one of its favorite collaborators, Son Lux, to compose an album of compositions with the feel of a rock LP. The result is called "First." Hear a CPR Performance Studio recording of two pieces from the album, and the story of the record's creation, in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

A few years ago, composer Carter Pann heard the saxophonists in the Capitol Quartet in concert. The music blew him away. He convinced the group to collaborate with him, and the resulting piece -- called "The Mechanics" -- made Carter a Pulitzer Prize finalist. Hear a CPR Performance Studio recording of the piece by the up-and-coming Black Diamond Saxophone Quartet -- and the story of what inspired Carter's piece -- in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw writes music for the voice that catches you off guard. The singers in Roomful of Teeth talk over each other, break into huge chords and use stunning vocal techniques from all over the world. Caroline has a new piece for Roomful of Teeth, called "This Might Also Be a Form of Dreaming." Here's a live recording of that composition, featuring Roomful of Teeth and Denver's Playground Ensemble -- plus a look at why Caroline is so excited about the new piece -- in this episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

She’s a composer in Los Angeles who blends her favorite sounds from Indian and Western classical music. He’s a musician in Boulder who plays the 14-string viola d’amore -- a unique instrument that captivated composers more than 300 years ago. Their collaboration created an extraordinary piece of music called “Nishani.” Hear an exclusive recording of it captured in the CPR Performance Studio -- and the story of how the music came together -- in the debut episode of Centennial Sounds from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio.

Welcome to "Centennial Sounds" -- a new podcast from CPR Classical and Colorado Public Radio that spotlights contemporary classical music performed in Colorado. The podcast, hosted by Brad Turner, features exclusive sessions from the CPR Performance Studio as well as live recordings taken from concert venues and summer festivals around the Centennial State. The episodes also feature interviews with 21st-century composers. Centennial Sounds launches in April.

A Boulder judge’s decision to sentence a convicted sex offender to probation highlights a controversy over a sentencing law. A Fort Collins journalist and a firefighter rescued hundreds of refugees from rickety boats and rafts during a two-week trip to the Mediterranean Sea. The University of Colorado Boulder library has been tapped to preserve government documents dating from the Sand Creek Massacre to 9/11.. CPR Classical offers its picks for best Colorado recordings of 2016.