Into Classical and Jazz (2 Recommended Stations)

When before I've been into 80's music and present alternative music, now I've included 2 different genres. Thanks to 2 different radio stations I've been listening to recently.


98.7 DZFE : The Master's Touch
dzfe.febc.ph

Last year, I started frequently listening to 98.7 DZFE, making it my background music while doing schoolwork, especially when I stayed wide-awake until dawn and when I took a week-long semestral break.

Before, I didn't listen much to classical. But with 98.7, I listen more and more. Before, I thought I wouldn't get to listen to this station, though I know it already as a child. Now, I got myself to listen. DZFE helped me to further appreciate this kind of music, as well as jazz (initially) and church music (e.g.: "A Mighty Fortress").

The difficult thing, I guess, is knowing the titles. Unlike modern music, you may listen and take note of the lyrics, then search it on the Net. In classical, you have to pay attention whenever an announcer speaks.

Not only do I hear classical music on DZFE, but also programs and segments that make it "The station that cares to uplift the inner man". DZFE, as a Bible precept station as well, delivers engaging Christian programming. Some of those that I've been listening to often are Listen To The Bible, A Different Perspective, Just Thinking with Ravi Zacharias, and Pure Sex Radio.

It's good to know such a service still exists in a mass-market-dominated frequency modulation (FM). Not only does Far East Broadcasting Company(FEBC), the broadcaster of DZFE, serves us with this so-called "music of the mind", but also "food for the soul".


ABC Jazz
abcjazz.net.au

From the local airwaves, we go to Australia's digital vibrations.

It's so interesting that I found a station like ABC Jazz, one of the many broadcast services made possible by the government (again: the government).

By the way, aside from United Kingdom's BBC, Australian Broadcasting Company is another pioneer in radio. They broadcast various material, including classical and modern music; even a station presenting their local music in a large scale, "unearthing" local talent and then sharing them 24/7. Now that's something innovative and great!

ABC Jazz presents jazz further and deeper than the jazz I'm hearing at 105.1 Crossover. Because of the station, my interest in jazz flicked and flamed brighter.

An interesting feature in ABC Jazz is when you listen online, you get to know the song actually playing on air. They have a window for the stream of the station, sharing what was just played, what is currently playing, and what plays next.


I recommend these stations not only for those who like these types of sounds, but also those who like to dwell into new music, though not necessarily new.

I salute these 2 services for keeping their music, and radio, alive. First, the FEBC here in the Philippines, for being the only Philippine station bringing classical music since the 50's, as well as staying committed to bring "Christ to the world by radio". And then the Australian government: good thing your funds go to appreciative use.

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Picture credit: Google Images

S4Y#21: "Clair de Lune" | Claude Debussy

Fourth year opened me to classical music, from the lessons at the MAPEH textbooks to the broadcasts of 98.7 DZFE. I was introduced to many musicians and composers who made their mark in music, including Claude Debussy.

He made this piece; actually, a piece of another piece(called "piano suite"). It's a piece which I remember hearing in my younger days, playing from a Reader's Digest giveaway CD entitled Enchanting Moments, which I consider as a child as a compilation of very sad melodies.

Then, when I was a senior, aside from knowing Debussy in a textbook, I saw Google celebrating the musician's 151st birthday, with this dramatic tune, accompanied by a night-themed animation.

How wonderful classical music can depict moods and paint pictures (in our minds)—like a calm and lovely mood inspired by the moonlight in the middle of the night.

This is, I claim, the first classical piece I know and appreciate.

The Radio Broadcasting I Know and Love

Last year, I won 3rd place in field reporting in the radio broadcasting competition of the District School Press Conference, and the school our whole team were representing won 3rd place in the competition proper. I did the script of a 5-minute (at the least) newscast, and played a role on one of the 4 field reporters.

I was urged by my English teacher and some fellow seniors to join the team for the competition. I decided to go since it sounded interesting. At first, it was sort of uncomfortable for me to do, but as I went on knowing the basics and practicing and preparing for the contest, I began learning a lot and enjoying the experience with my teammates.

Picture from: http://charlieagatep.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/lights-camera-how-philippine-tv-began/

Signing-on

Ever since as a child I gained interest in media, from television to print; yet what seems to be not much appreciated by teenagers is still my unfading interest. As an elementary student, I would turn that circular part of the radio around, especially when the radio is on the AM band, and find out what station I am hearing. Furthermore, my parents are constant listeners—from RJ 100 to DZSR 918 to 702 DZAS. When Internet became accessible to us at home, I learned further the stations and each of their histories.

As an adolescent, I grew a constant listening ear for Crossover, Magic 89.9 (for Friday Madness), BBC Radio channels in United Kingdom (via the Internet); then Jam 88.3, 98.7 DZFE, Retro 105.9, and even DWBR 104.3. These are my choices everytime I turn the radio on.

During the recent school years, I usually tuned in to Jam, and DZFE later on, especially when I worked overnight and refused to sleep as a sacrifice. Whenever the radio's on Jam, I began not only to like current music more, but also radio work on FM. As I heard the DJs mixing the music and talking to their listeners, I heard something nice to do in the future. I heard a possible career.

Picture from: http://web.krtu.org/x4026.xml

Switchover

Before that, there was still an interest to be in the field of news, whether on radio or TV, maybe print; but aside from my springing interest in writing, my pursuit shifted from journalism to communication. I may mimic Gus Abelgas or Ben Tulfo (don't think of asking me to do so!), but I now desire more to be like the voices I'm hearing on sensible radio: Mike (not Enriquez), Lambert, Russ Davis, Rudolph Rivera, Jimmy Jam, The Triggerman, Bon Vibar, and a lot more.

I want to be a DJ on Jam; or present the concertos and sonatas and compositions on DZFE; or maybe go Retro with old school music; or report the top-of-the-hour news on DWBR and maybe have a show like Mitch Albom's there; or hopefully manage or direct a radio station, even a government-operated one.

Moreover, I want to talk about things on air. I want some discourse on air, be someone for listeners to hang out with while they discover new music, drive, work, or relax. I might talk on a news/talk radio; that can be on DZRJ 810 AM. But, I want to combine talk and music, maybe like Jessica Zafra before.

I now see radio broadcasting as Jam, or other non-mass-market music stations do it. Befriending your listeners, playing them alternative or various music, responding to song requests, and even raising topics and speaking out your opinions or stories.

It's not anymore the usual reporting and news delivery I've done at the radio broadcasting competition. It's being a disc jockey for a maximum of 3 or 4 hours and being a friend on the airwaves (but I still find it good to say the news in the manner 104.3 does it). That's what I like to do in the future, aside from writing prose and poetry and, hopefully, making music.

Those are the ways I like and hope to be as a broadcaster.