Using a Trobriand drum and harmonica, Ella Jenkins plays examples of call and response music with Studs. A few of her popular songs play between their discussion. Ella explains how her music came to be from the Chicago neighborhood streets with influences from her Uncle and other blues and folk musicians. Songs played include "Tahboo," "Miss Mary Mack," "You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song," "Come Dance By the Ocean," and "Dulce." Songs have been removed due to copyright restrictions.

Using past recordings, Ella discusses how she works with children to help them find their rhythms using call and response music and percussion. She explains the West African and Latin music influences within her own music. Music played includes Jenkins' own music such as "Miss Mary Mack," "Tahboo," and "Where Has My Little Dog Gone?" She also plays song written by Carl Orff and performed by the Chorus of the Children's Opera Group, such s "Pat-a-Cake," and "Name-Calling." Untitled West African music is also played. Music has been removed due to copyright restrictions.

Jazz singer Kurt Elling discusses his musical influences, new and past music, and the path of his career.

At a young age, Peter Glossop knew that all he ever wanted to be was an opera singer. Glossop said with opera, there's the best of two worlds, both singing and acting. Verdi was a favorite, Glossop explained, as Verdi had written great roles for baritone singers. Sarah Caldwell was very good at playing music at a young age. She also loved the theatre. To her, it was a logical step to direct operas. Caldwell explained that her job as the director is to hold the audiences' attention and to make the piece real, to convey the playwright's message.

Studs discusses Roy Eldridge’s work as a jazz musician and recounts prevalent moments from his career.

Interviewing William Ferris, contemporary composer and conductor, and John Vorrasi, lead tenor, as they discuss the beginning and successes of their group called the William Ferris Chorale.

Eppler plays the cimbalom, an instrument descended from the hand-held hammered dulcimer found in Eastern Europe.

The quintet of Empire Brass was founded by Rolf Smedvig after he was asked to take part in Leonard Bernstein's "Mass". All the men came from families with musical backgrounds. Currently on tour, Empire Brass plays at Orchestra Hall this evening, the day of the recording. They have been to Europe seven times, Japan twice and they have been to all the United States except for Hawaii.

Ray Davies of the English rock band, The Kinks, talks about the studio album, "Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)". Davis reads lyrics from the songs, "Victoria," "Yes Sir, No Sir" and "Some Mother's Son".