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Chapman Challenge: The History of Handbells

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan explains the history of handbells, their transition from bell tower practice tools to melody instruments, and how melodies are divided among ringers in a handbell choir.

12/30/2025
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Saturday Morning Car Tunes: The Tuba

The Tuba on Saturday Morning Car Tunes!

02/03/2024
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Saturday Morning Car Tunes: The Trombone

12/16/2023
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Why Don’t Trombones Have Valves Like Trumpets?

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan Chapman explains why trombones use slides instead of valves like trumpets, tracing back to their 15th-century ancestor, the sackbut.

10/08/2019
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Cabrillo Festival Ends with Marsalis Concert

The Cabrillo Festival concludes with two works by jazz composer Wynton Marsalis, including a violin concerto performed by Nicola Benedetti, who collaborated closely with Marsalis during its creation.

10/01/2019
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Don’t Underestimate the Tuba

Explore the depth and range of the tuba beyond its stereotype as an "oom-pah machine". This article highlights five orchestral pieces that showcase the tuba's versatility.

09/26/2019

Shows

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The French Horn

The French Horn is the gentle giant of the orchestra… a musical shapeshifter morphing into so many different characters and moods.

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Pop CultureChapman ChallengeSaturday Morning Car TunesInstrumentsChristmas

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Deep Cuts for a Classical Summer

Explore lesser-known classical music pieces that celebrate summer, from composers like Copland, Zaimont, Delius, Mazzoli, Melartin, Prokofiev, Beach, Webern, and Still.

08/10/2026
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A Tribute to Home

Classical California's Brian Lauritzen counts down Gustavo Dudamel's last concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as his tenure as .Music and Artistic Director concludes.

07/29/2026
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Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Clara Schumann

From child prodigy to one of Europe's greatest pianists, composers, and teachers—this Wieck, find out if the Schu fits.

07/25/2026
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Classical Kick-Off for World Cup 2026

The World Cup is nearing its final whistle, and we're bidding farewell to each departing team with music from home.

07/09/2026
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How the 1812 Overture Became Music for the Fourth of July

Explore the history of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture's popularity in 4th of July celebrations, its association with fireworks, and its original context in this insightful blog.

06/30/2026
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A fond farewell from "Lueth in the Booth”

A fond farewell from San Francisco Classical California President, Bill Lueth.

06/02/2026