Jennifer is Not a Morning Person!

Does classical music in the morning make the day brighter?

This is just a Thank You note. I live in Denver and listen online every morning at work with Jennifer Miller Hammel, and it's such a nice experience. Even on a Monday morning, like today, I can look forward to some good music and a pleasant personality. Thank you to everyone at Classical California, and especially Jennifer. You really make my morning better.

Sonny

I’ll share a secret with you, Sonny—but you must promise not to tell anyone.

I am not a morning person.

I know, I know. I don’t naturally go to bed by 8 p.m. or leap out of bed before dawn. So when I started working at Classical California and was offered the chance to host mornings, I said yes… and then immediately wondered what I had gotten myself into. How was I going to do this every day? Could I really bring enough energy to meet the moment? And—most importantly—would anyone figure out my secret?

So I did what anyone would do: I made a list. What would I need to make my mornings not just manageable, but enjoyable? A little humor. Some positive music. And small, intriguing bits of information to share—something to spark curiosity and connection.

Now, I’m no medical expert, but I do think there’s something to be said for starting your day with the right mix of things. A good breakfast. A strong cup of coffee. The outfit that makes you feel like you’ve got this. And, maybe most importantly, the right music to set the tone—whether you’re gearing up for your first meeting, navigating morning traffic, or getting the kids out the door.

That’s where we come in.

As you move through your morning routine, what would make it easier? More enjoyable? Maybe even something you look forward to? That’s exactly what we try to create on Classical California—with a blend of music and features designed to meet you where you are.

Across the morning, you’ll hear music that ranges from calm and reflective to bright and energizing—familiar favorites alongside new discoveries. And woven throughout are some of our regular features.

At 7:15, the Classical California Morning Shout Out brings a message from someone in our listener family—sharing a joyful moment or honoring someone who loves this music as much as you do. If you haven’t sent one in yet, you can do that here:

Then at 7:45, the Mystery in History gives your brain a little workout. It might be about a composer, a film premiere, or even a quirky national celebration (yes, Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day is real). Whether you guess correctly or not, you’ll walk away having learned something new.

And on Fridays just after 8, we ease into the weekend with Screen Time. It’s a chance to explore music from movies, TV, and video games—paired with classical works that inspired them or complement them. With the summer movie season around the corner, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Then at 9, my fellow morning warrior, Maggie Clennon Reberg, joins you from Classical California San Francisco for Mozart in the Morning. Maggie shares a beautiful piece from Mozart’s catalog, along with a story from his life—and somehow, it always finds a way to connect back to ours.

Funny enough, we didn’t plan for all those features to start with the letter “M”… but it feels like a happy coincidence.

Somewhere along the way, I realized something: maybe it’s not about becoming a “morning person” after all. Maybe it’s just about finding the right rhythm—the right mix of music, stories, and small moments that make those early hours feel a little lighter.

So if your mornings don’t come naturally to you either, you’re in good company. We’re figuring it out together—one piece of music, one story, and one cup of coffee at a time.