This past President’s Day Weekend, students from the music departments at both West Morris Mendham and West Morris Central traveled to Nashville, Tennessee. Flying down in the early morning of Thursday, February 13, West Morris’ choir, band, and orchestra students were given an orientation tour of the city and a self-guided tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium as soon as they landed. The Ryman, a former church from the late 1800s into the early 1900s, was transformed into a concert hall that housed the Grand Ole Opry radio show from 1943 to 1974. Eventually, the Opry was moved into a different location, but the Ryman is still an active concert venue with unique acoustics and beautiful architecture.
The following day, students participated in a variety of workshops at Vanderbilt University with Professor Thomas Verrier (Director of Bands at Vanderbilt), Professor Tucker Biddlecombe (Director of Choral Activities at Vanderbilt and Director of the Nashville Symphony Chorus), and Professor Ernesto Mussi (Director of Orchestras at Vanderbilt). West Morris Mendham’s choir teacher, Mrs. Danner, describes how students were completely engaged with the faculty, and their performances were improved overall with the new ideas and techniques taught by these incredible professors. Throughout the trip, students were given many opportunities to explore Nashville’s Broadway Street, a vibrant downtown area filled with restaurants, shops, live music, and so much more. The group was also given an exclusive backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry at its current location and were able to see dressing rooms, plaques of its inducted members, and other fascinating features of this historic concert hall. West Morris’ choir performed outside of the Opry as thousands of people walked in to see a show and after their performance, the group attended a concert at the Opry, hosted by The War and Treaty. Since it was on Valentine’s Day, they celebrated by showcasing many country duos, including The Band Perry, John Carter and Ana Cristina Cash, Neon Union, and more.
The choir, band, and orchestra all had recording sessions at RCA Studio B, the oldest remaining recording studio in Nashville, where world-famous musicians such as Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, and Carrie Underwood have recorded songs. The group was also given line dancing lessons, live music, and lunch at Category 10, Luke Combs’ restaurant and bar. Afterward, they visited the Gaylord Opryland Resort, a convention center and resort with beautiful indoor gardens, waterfalls, and entertainment. Students concluded their day with more free time around Broadway Street and an evening concert of the film “West Side Story”, accompanied by the live Nashville Symphony orchestra.
The trip came to a close on Sunday, February 16, when students had a self-guided tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. West Morris’ band performed outside the building for those walking into and near the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, West Morris’ orchestra did not get the chance to perform due to poor weather conditions. The group ended the day by spending some free time at the Opry Mills Mall until they departed for the airport.
When selecting courses for the next school year, students should consider taking a class within the music department. By taking a music class, students can dedicate some part of their day to doing something creative and fun. In addition, it is an amazing opportunity to build meaningful relationships and connections with other students and build confidence in oneself. Also, fun trips like this are a bonus! Whether one decides to add Choir, Band, Orchestra, or any of Mendham High School’s other music classes to their schedule, there is a place for them in that community.
