Steve and Joan Mudrick moved to Columbia as a young couple when he accepted a position at the University of Missouri doing atmospheric science research. It was 1976 and the couple immediately tuned into KBIA. They liked the station’s blend of NPR and local news and classical music. Nearly 60 years later, the couple is still in Columbia and happily retired. Steve retired from MU and - after working as a pre-school teacher for 60 years - Joan retired and volunteered in local schools. The couple has two kids and one grandkid.
Steve’s love for classical music was formed during his youth in the Washington DC area. His parents listened to classical music on the radio and played records. His specific love for the genre's Romantic Era was born when his dad took him to see concerts with programs that were mostly Romantic Era music.
Together, Steve and Joan enjoy local live music performances and theater performances. This includes seeing concerts at the MU School of Music. “We kind of live in that room. Sheryl Crow Hall is our second home,” admits Joan.
The Mudricks largey listen to classical music at home, too. “Classical 90.5 is on in the house most all the time,” notes Steve. Joan follows up with: "He’s the one who got me into classical music. Since it’s on all over the house, you either decide to join up or go to another room.” Joan is glad to support classical music on the radio in Columbia. “It fills my soul, and that’s why I love listening to it. It is a treasured part of my life,” she says.
The Mudrick’s support for Classical 90.5 is underwriting a new program. With a focus on music from Early Romantic Era composers, the show - Blossoming into Romanticism - airs each Thursday at 4:00pm.
