Broadcaster Susan Prince's Remarkable Journey in Classical Radio

Susan first heard about WMNR Fine Arts Radio when a friend mentioned that WMNR was looking for announcers. Eventually, she took a class to learn about broadcasting that was taught at Masuk High School in Monroe by station founder John Babina. And when Susan introduced herself, here's how John immediately responded:

"I Want You On The Radio!"

Susan reflects on her broadcasting career as an unexpected but rewarding journey. “It opened a brand-new world for me, and it started me on a career. But I wasn’t looking for a career—it's still a surprise to me. I’m extremely grateful.”

The Best Announcing Advice Susan Prince Ever Received

Susan claims that the best announcing advice she ever received came from WMNR member Brent Williams, who said, “The minute you turn on that mic, picture someone you love and talk to that person.”

She took Brent's advice to heart and it really paid off. Susan got her start as a volunteer broadcaster at WMNR in 1985 and 11 years later her professional 'paid' career took off with stints as an announcer at WNYC and WQXR in New York City and WSHU in Connecticut. Later, she hosted daily programs on the Symphony Hall, Opera, and Classical Pops channels of SiriusXM, which has worldwide reach.

Susan returned to WMNR in 2016. She describes WMNR as a family of friends whom she adores. "No other station evokes the feelings that we share here."

After her Wednesday Afternoon Classics show from noon to 3:00 pm, Susan turns Master Control over to Dave Rohlfing for his Board Operating shift.

What 40 Years as An Announcer Has Taught Susan

Through her extensive experience, Susan has developed an intuitive sense for

sequencing music appropriately, creating a seamless listening experience for her

audience. To Susan the most important things are:

"Number one: I must like the music I play."

“Daypart programming is extremely important. There are a lot of things you

can play that don’t work for the season or time of day."

"I might build a show by focusing on a particular subject (i.e., autumn, sounds of the sea, or people whose lives have impacted on the world of classical music)."

And, when she hears the music, Susan knows exactly what will work to follow it—"like stepping stones."

Susan's command of music and her strong vocal chops were honed long before she took up broadcasting. As a freshman in college the University of North Texas, she majored in Jazz, but a professor thought her talent was more suited for Opera. He steered her back to her native New York City, where she attended the Musical Dramatic Theatre Academy, and ultimately, she received her BA in Opera from the Mannes School of Music.

Over the past four decades, Susan's broad knowledge of music and engaging on-air personality have made her a favorite among thousands of radio listeners.

Yale Leaders Take The Stage on Fine Arts Forum

Sunday, October 5 at 8:00 p.m.

Fine Arts Forum host Bob Anderson speaks with Martin Jean, Director of the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. Its mission: Educate leaders who foster, explore, and study engagement with the sacred through music, worship, and the arts.

Dr. Felicia Barber, Conductor of the Yale Camerata, is also scheduled to talk. In its 40th Anniversary, Camerata will perform a wide spectrum of sacred choral music. Members are Yale graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, staff and experienced singers from the New Haven community.

Our Seasonal Flowers Have a Rhythm All Their Own—Just Like Our Beautiful Music Thanks to Your Generous Support!

WMNR is an independent, public classical - and classic - station.

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