KSPS call-in will focus on schools

Testing, curriculum, levies and other school-related topics will be fair game tonight during a live call-in television broadcast with Spokane Public Schools officials.

Superintendent Brian Benzel and three school board members will answer constituents’ questions during “Educating Spokane” on KSPS, Spokane’s Public Television. The hour-long program, which is broadcast four times a year on Channel 7, starts at 7 p.m.

The phone number to call to ask questions is (509) 354-7711.

Classical musicians to perform in Valley

The fine sounds of classical music will play from the Valley on Friday night.

Several musicians will descend on St. Joseph’s Church at 4521 N. Arden Road in Otis Orchards for a concert to benefit the Spokane Valley Food Bank.

“I know that there’s an audience for this music out here in the Valley,” said organizer Mary Simpson. “I wanted there to be some performances out here for us instead of having to travel elsewhere for the music.”

Two professional musicians, Kendall Feeney, a professor at Eastern Washington University, and Greg Presley, a professor at Gonzaga University, will perform the “Carnival of the Animals” by French composer Camille Saint-Saens at 7:30 p.m. Cellist Louise Butler and flutist Rhonda Bradetich will join the piano duo. Television personality George Maupin will read humorous poetry by Ogden Nash meant to accompany each movement.

Three musicians from the Spokane Symphony Junior Chamber Artists will perform the “Trio Pathetique” by Mikhail Glinka, and a duo will play Schumann’s “Piano Concerto in A Minor.”

Seattle-area soprano Hayley Baudrau will perform some vocal selections.

The concert is meant to raise money for the food bank during a forgotten time of year.

“The holiday season is over; it’s the perfect time to help them out,” Simpson said.

With so many people listening to music on iPods, she feels it’s important for people to hear and make music in real life.

“I wanted a scene in which amateurs as well as professionals could make music together,” she said.

General admission is $10, students $5, and families of four or more $25. Food donations will be accepted at the door, and a reception featuring homemade desserts will follow the performance.