Pittsburg State University blog

This blog was written by Chris Kelly, associate vice president for university marketing and communication.

Music has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. That’s a pretty bold statement for someone who doesn’t play an instrument, but it’s true. There were no iPods during my childhood, so I was blessed with variety when travelling with my parents.

If I was riding with my father in the pale green, full-sized Ford Ranger, I listened to Merle Haggard, the Oak Ridge Boys and, when he was feeling particularly good, Johnny Rivers. Mom was more of a rock-and-roller with a touch of disco (it was the '70s) and the selections included Donna Summer, the Beach Boys and any hit from the '60s. (I also had an amazing K-TEL collection, but that's another topic for another blog)

It wasn’t until later in my life that I discovered the simple joy and beauty of classical music. I’m no classical music expert, but I enjoy the emotional lift I get from listening to Beethoven, Mozart or Holst. It’s because of this that I am so excited that Pittsburg State’s public radio station, KRPS, is partnering with the CICA Summer Music Festival in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Okay, full disclosure here. My wife is the general manger of KRPS, but even if she wasn’t, I’d still be excited about this. (Quick plug ... you can listen to KRPS at 89.9 on your FM dial)

The festival takes place over the next three weeks, and will attract students from throughout the world. Concerts will be held nearly every night, and include performances by the St. Petersburg String Quartet, and the Grammy Award nominated, Eroica Trio.

KRPS plans on recording many of the concerts for possible submission to a nationally syndicated radio program.

It’s another example of the wonderful partnerships Pittsburg State University  is developing  with the residents of Northwest Arkansas. Academically, professionally and even culturally … Northwest Arkansas is quickly learning of why it’s so great to be a Gorilla.

Now, if I can only get them to play a classical version of “Pancho and Lefty.”