Today was an incredible day to be a music student (or teacher!) in Nashville. In the morning, we had outstanding tour guides at RCA Studio B, where over 1,000 #1 hits have been recorded, including over 200 songs in Elvis' catalogue. The students are now familiar with names like Chet Atkins, Dottie West, Charley Pride, and Roy Orbison. Feel free to quiz them! The highlight of the tour was standing in the studio in the pitch black listening to Elvis' recording of "Are you lonesome tonight", which was indeed recorded in darkness at 4 AM. Our own accompanist Terry Dillon was given the honor of playing Elvis' Steinway piano...our tour guide simply removed the DO NOT TOUCH sign! Our mighty chaperones continue to amaze and keep everyone happy, healthy, and on time during the trip. We even have the BEST bus drivers Ray and Jamal, and the BEST tour guide Charles. We lucked out this time around. The Ryman Auditorium was stunning, and the backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry let us stand in the circle where the singers stand, see green rooms, and walk through the entire theater. The students soaked in some sun while posing for a photo outside the Opry, but cooled down in time for billiards, foosball, line dancing and a rip-roaring good time at the Wildhorse Saloon. The only complaint was why we couldn't stay longer and dance more! When we left, the streets were pulsing with live music, motorcycles, and twinkling lights. This city feels so comfortable, even to those of us here for a few short days. We received several more compliments today on our well-behaved and well-dressed group of students. Way to represent, Hillmen! Packing to head home will be our challenge tonight, and leaving for home will be bittersweet. We have had a tremendous trip. We will all be doing some serious napping on the way home. See you soon, Platteville!
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Our Saturday in Nashville was truly amazing! We began at the Country Music Hall of Fame, where we could do everything from mixing our own country hit to hearing the "Nashville Sound", to viewing special exhibits on Kenny Rogers, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. From the museum, we took our sack lunches to Bicentennial Park, where we met up with PHS alum Jens Jacobson, a Belmont University music graduate. We also had a private concert by Tyler Barham and John Griffin, who performed at PHS in September. John was even sporting his PHS shirt! PHS physics teacher Matt Heer also connected us with Matt Dragstrem, a Nashville songwriter who has written hits for Florida Georgia Line and Carrie Underwood. Matt spoke to us about songwriting and answered questions from our students. Next we headed to Belmont University for our three performance clinics. Between clinics, Jens led us on short tours of the beautiful campus. It is a very special place, especially for those interested in music careers. All three clinics went well, with the students having to walk back and forth between the performance venues. Following the clinics, we split the buses up for dinner again to Hard Rock Cafe and Santa Fe Cattle Company. We met up for a hilarious performance of Pirates of Penzance by the Nashville Opera. With a talented orchestra and a great cast, this was a lighthearted first opera experience for many of our students. We did not return to the hotel until after 11, which explains why this post is a bit late. We have received lots of compliments about our wonderful students...way to go, PHS!
We had a fabulous day here in Nashville. When we left the hotel it was misty, but by the time we arrived at Andrew Jackson's farm, it was beautiful and sunny. Andrew Jackson left quite a mark on American history. The information we saw at the museum showed him to be either loathed or loved. The gorgeous weather continued aboard the General Jackson, where we walked the decks, enjoyed the breeze, and viewed the Nashville skyline. Later, we ate a delicious buffet lunch and took in a live music performance. A couple of the performers took a shine to some of our students...you may have to ask them for details. After the cruise we sent our buses to two separate restaurants, and will switch tomorrow night: Hark Rock Cafe and Santa Fe Cattlemen's Club. The Grand Ole Opry show featured over a dozen performances ranging from bluegrass, gospel, and folk to classic and modern country. Seeing a radio show live was a new experience for many. We are off to get a few hours of rest before another busy day!
We made it to Nashville just before 9 PM, and had a really nice day of travel. Our weather ranged from rainy to windy to just plain hot, but we had an uneventful drive and even arrived with cheery dispositions. The students have been enjoying free popcorn and soda in the lobby lounge, where we also have a full hot breakfast each day! We are looking forward to a restful night and a busy three days ahead!
At 24 hours to go 'til we leave, I am happy to share that Marty Stuart, John Conlee, Mark Wills, Darryl Worley, Joe Diffie and more will be performing Friday at the Grand Ole Opry! These are huge names in country music, and this is sure to be an awesome show.
Question: How many devices will Mrs. Armstrong bring to help run our Nashville trip? Answer: Two cell phones, two iPads, one laptop, and one jump drive. Mrs. Fairchild and Mr. Strizic will have theirs, too! See everyone at 6:30 AM tomorrow! We are busy and excited! From packing to rehearsing to printing handbooks, things are buzzing around PHS. Just this morning I have fielded questions about suitcases, medications, walking shoes and cowboy hats. We are all working hard to tie up loose ends so everyone has a great time on the Nashville trip. Follow the blog to take the journey along with us!
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Mrs. Amelia ArmstrongPlatteville High School Vocal Music Teacher. ArchivesCategories |