Take Note

July 7th is Tanabata, or the Star Festival, in Japan. It is derived from the Chinese Qixi Festival. In this episode, we’ll hear the traditional Tanabata song.

In honor of America 250, let’s learn about the music and the instruments that created the soundscape of the Revolutionary War.

In this episode, we celebrate pride month with the story of Tchaikovsky, and we discuss why it’s important to acknowledge musicians’ sexuality.

In this episode, in honor of Juneteenth, we learn about the life of Blind Tom Wiggins, who is sometimes referred to as the “last American slave.”

June is African American Music Appreciation Month, and in this episode we cover the various popular music genres with African American roots and take a look at three very different musicians.

Celebrated annually on June 1st and 2nd, Gawai Dayak is the Harvest Festival celebrated in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia on Borneo. This week, we learn about the dance Ngajat and the instruments that accompany it.

May 25th is Africa Day! This week on Take Note learn about two of Africa's premiere musicologists, Akin Euba and J. H. Kwabena Nketia.

May 23rd is Luilak, a Dutch holiday designed to energize the lazy.  Learn about this clangorous celebration this week on Take Note.

This week on Take Note we celebrate San Isidro’s Feast Day, a Catholic celebration that originated in Seville.  We learn about Mozarabs and the history of Mozarabic chant.

On May 5th we celebrate children with Kodomo-no-hi, a Japanese holiday. Learn about the koinobori and its musical companion this week on Take Note.

In Hawaii, May 1st is Lei Day, a time to celebrate the Aloha spirit and honor Native Hawaiian traditions. In this episode, learn about hapa haole music and how to let it inspire you to discover the authentic music of Hawaii. 

Happy Organ Day! This week on Take Note, celebrate this glorious and versatile instrument with Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 in C Minor and Larsen’s Aspects of Glory.

The Thai New Year Songkran brings many celebrations and water related festivities. Listen to this episode to hear the song Ram Wong Wan Songkran by innovative composer Eua Sunthornsanan.

This week on Take Note, we're honoring the Jewish holiday of Passover that begins on April 1st and lasts until the 9th. We'll hear Erich Wolfgang Korngold's poignant work, A Passover Psalm.

Celebrate the movable feast of Easter with some orchestral music and hot cross buns here at Take Note!

Happy Greek American Heritage Month! This week on Take Note, we learn about one iconic Greek American diva of the stage, Maria Callas. 

In this episode, celebrate Eid Al-Fitr by exploring the Arabic song that came to be associated with the holiday. 

Happy Women’s History Month from us here at Take Note! In this episode we hear about two compositions that align with this year’s Women’s History Month theme: “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” 

Holi, or the Festival of Color, takes place on March 4th this year, celebrating the start of spring, new beginnings, and the triumph of good over evil. This week’s episode features the music of Red Baraat.  

February is Black History Month, and today we're learning about two remarkable composers: William Grant Still and Valerie Coleman. 

Celebrated this year between February 12th and 17th, Carnival is one of the most widely varied holidays in the Christian tradition; and this week on Take Note, we’re learning about music inspired by the holiday.

What is more romantic than Shakespeare? This week on Take Note, it’s Romeo and Juliet in honor of Valentine's Day. 

February 2nd is Ukulele Day, and this episode is all about the small but mighty instrument most commonly associated with Hawaii.

Join us in celebrating Up Helly Aa, a time marking the end of the Yule season. In this episode, we learn about Scottish folk music.   

In this episode, celebrate Mariachi Day by exploring the origins of mariachi music and what led it to becoming widely celebrated today.