Announcement from Classical Manager Max Ramirez
Hello, Friends of WILL:
My name is Max Ramirez, and I am the newly appointed manager of Classical FM here at WILL 90.9. Since before I was selected as 90.9’s manager, I have been committed to the preservation of classical music across two different stations. This means keeping in mind the needs of our classical audience.
As you may have noticed, there are going to be some changes to the Classical FM schedule this month. This was done with the utmost care and research before any change was proposed. First, starting Monday, October 7, we are adding a new show to enhance your lunch hour titled Anytime Classical with John Nasukaluk Clare. It comes from our partners at Classical Music Indianapolis, a nonprofit committed to the preservation of the arts here in the Midwest.
John comes to us from SiriusXM’s Symphony Hall and has years of experience in the classical music genre. His show will feature new favorites, tried-and-true classics, and interviews with your favorite composers. It will begin airing on FM 90.9, Monday through Friday, from 12 to 1 PM. I must say that I am truly excited to bring this show to WILL!
Second, we are making some changes to our Friday night lineup. Prairie Performances will be ending on October 11 for the remainder of 2024. This was not a decision that I took lightly. Here at WILL, our staff is committed to bringing you quality programs that reflect not only the audience but also the community at large. Unfortunately, Prairie Performances did not meet those expectations at this time.
I understand Roger Cooper’s legendary hosting was near and dear to so many in our community. When Roger took some time away from the station, the amazing Julia Escobar stepped in and managed the show. Since Julia has departed, we have noted that the musical performance library hasn’t gained any new local or regional recordings. The staff here at WILL is recommitting to making new partnerships and acquiring new performances for the next run of the show. Although I cannot specify a date for the return of Prairie Performances, I can tell you that it is expected back in 2025 and in a new timeslot.
While Prairie Performances is being redeveloped, we will extend the evening concert on Friday nights from 7 to 8 PM. For those who enjoy a trip back to the atomic age, The Atomic Age Cocktail Party will move to its new time slot on Fridays from 8 to 9 PM. Please see the new schedule in the October issue of Patterns Magazine for more information.
Finally, let your voice be heard by taking the WILL Classical FM Listener Survey. Your candid feedback will help us get to know our audience, ensure we are meeting the needs of our community, and allow us to make informed programming decisions.
Once again, thank you for being a WILL listener and supporter. We couldn’t bring you the quality programming on 90.9 without your generous contributions. I am very proud to manage Classical FM, 90.9, and I look forward to continuing to bring you the best in programming into the future!
Sincerely,
Max Ramirez
Manager, WILL Classical FM, 90.9
