Meet the new voices of YourClassical MPR

Recently, you might have heard new voices on YourClassical MPR. Gabrielle Glass, Leigh Knauz and Melanie Ranate recently joined us as board operators, who manage the soundboards in our studios during live broadcast performances. Let’s meet them.

Glass is a violist and educator. She holds a bachelor's degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a master's degree from Rice University. She has performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Houston Grand Opera, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and New Haven Symphony. She is an active member of the Sphinx Organization, a group dedicated to bringing diversity to the arts. It’s her passion to share music with those who need it the most, and she has dedicated a lot of time to championing diversity in the arts.

Knauz is a writer, animal lover, cinephile and all-around nerd, originally from Illinois. They have a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and French, and a master’s in writing and literary theory, plus an extensive classical music background. Starting with piano and harp lessons at an early age, they’ve always had a huge respect for the power of sound. They volunteer on KFAI’s Shadow Planet: Heavy Metal Minority Report, a show highlighting women and other underrepresented communities in extreme music. They are passionate about medieval, Celtic and English folk music.

Melanie Ranate has served YourClassical MPR in one capacity or another for almost five years. As a certified health and wellness coach and a passionate yogi and mental health advocate, she has developed a deep appreciation for sound-wave therapy and other ways in which music can aid in overall wellness. She is excited to bring her passion for people with her as she steps behind the microphone as a board operator for YourClassical MPR.