How does music fit into a Classical education? How does the study of music foster a love for truth and beauty? What brings more joy--listening to a beautiful piece of music, or just playing an instrument regardless of our skill level? What specific pieces might we listen to help cultivate that love for beautiful things in ourselves and in our students?

In this episode, Winston Brady speaks with Thales band directors Richard Dryer and Wendy Cheng about the enriching, transformative nature of music and the joy that great music can bring to a Great Books education.

Special thanks to Wendy and Richard for their time on the episode and their service in building up our music program.

Theme music is Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Spring (1st Movement), recorded by John Harrison and the Wichita State University Chamber Players. The recording is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc7LVR_Lb_E

Songs referenced in the Episode include:

Bach, Partita No. 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngjEVKxQCWs

Miles Davis, Kind of Blue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEPFH-gz3wE

Mozart, Kegelstatt Trio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_cfok4QxdU

Beethoven Piano Concerto Number 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTO9ms_eIEY

Gustav Holste, The Planets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Isic2Z2e2xs&t=15s

Note Perfect: The Sound of Music