About

Ether Game is a weekly music guessing game that airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET on WFIU. It features mainly classical music, but branches out to movie soundtracks, jazz, folk, and rock. The game targets the music buff, and just about anyone who likes music and guessing games.

Ether Game began in 1970 as a drop-the-needle program of music tied to a central theme. It wasn’t until the early 80s that listeners were invited to call in their answers along with their “tasteful pseudonym”, and the current show began to take shape.

Over the years, Ether Game has seen a variety of changes, going from one to two hosts, time slots shifts, and the popular “Ether Bowl” competition of the 80s and 90s.

The number of calls received during each show range from 150-440, and as many as 90 individuals have called in during a game. The show boasts a very diverse audience, with players of varying musical expertise and knowledge from the Bloomington, other communities in South-Central Indiana, and as far away as Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Here’s How To Play The Game:

There are nine rounds in tonight’s show. If you know the title of a piece, or you can identify the composer, call in at 855-0811 or toll-free at 877-285-WFIU (9348). If your answer is correct, we’ll read your name or a tasteful pseudonym on air. If you’re having a bit of trouble, our phone volunteers will be happy to give you a few hints. And keep your ears open for our bonus questions during each round.

Round eight is an especially difficult selection, the dreaded Super Stumper. In this round, you’re on your own. Our phone answerers can’t give you any hints!

 If you want to play for a prize,  be the fifth caller during our first round or our teaser selection. And, anyone who has a perfect game- that is, anyone who identifies all nine selections correctly, wins a prize! We love giving away CDs on Ether Game, so keep those calls coming.

Feel free to contact us or find us on Facebook for anecdotes, more specifics about the program, and to arrange interviews with a celebrity guest.

Ether Game has been compiled by a variety of WFIU staff. Production starts with meeting of the producer and staff to select topics and pieces. The program is then compiled, researched, scripted, and formatted for radio.

The live production happens Tuesday evenings starting at 8 p.m. E.T., with a bank of phone answerers.

Ether Game producers, compilers, assistants, consultants have included a large number of professionals selected from Indiana Unviversity Jacobs School of Music. These included musicologists, theorists, composers, performers, as well as professionals associated with other IU departments.

On occasion, knowledgeable listeners have contributed topics and music selections.

The Ether Game Brain Trust:

Tom Berich, Host/Writer
Anna Coogan, Ether Game Coordinator
David Wood, Senior Producer

WFIU Production Staff:

Program Director – John Bailey
Station Operations Director — Cary Boyce