News Hub

APRIL 8, 2025 — The hum of anticipation filled the air as 40 Palmyra-Macedon High School band students boarded their flight to Nashville, Tennessee, to close out March.

The journey promised more than just sightseeing, as it was an opportunity to walk the streets of music legends, learn from masters and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of a city widely known as “Music City.”

Their first stop was the iconic Historic RCA Studio B, where the students stood in the same room Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and countless others had recorded timeless hits. They not only toured the facility but stepped up to the microphone themselves to get a taste of recording in a legendary space.

“It was interesting,” said percussionist Patrick Boesel. “We got to see and hear about the history of the recording studio, like how Dolly Parton crashed her car into it.”

Junior euphonium player Ella Eakins said the studio visit was one of her biggest takeaways. “Learning a lot about Elvis and being in that room where so much music history was made was amazing.”

From there, the group moved to the National Museum of African American Music, where they traced the roots of blues, jazz, gospel and hip-hop.

They followed up with a stop at the Country Music Hall of Fame, where students explored the evolution of country music and its cultural impact. But perhaps the most hands-on experience came at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music, where they participated in a master class with Dr. Thomas Verrier. Verrier is the Senior Band Conductor and Director of Wind Ensembles at the university.

The band performed pieces they had practiced in class and received expert feedback, seeing firsthand what it takes to refine their craft at a professional level.

“We learned to play with a little more swing and that Nashville feel,” Eakins said. “It helped us break out of our usual classical style.”

Alto saxophonist Dylan Becker noted the difference in sound quality when they heard their studio recording. “We get recorded on phones a lot, and I’m always like, ‘Oh my God, we sound terrible.’ But when we got professionally recorded, our tones and tuning were so much better. You could actually point out what needed improvement.”

Before diving further into their educational journey, it’s important to note how this trip was made possible. For months, students had worked tirelessly, selling flower baskets and chocolate bars and hosting community events to fund their travels, an effort band director Debra Davis said made every experience even more meaningful.

The band also had a chance to hear some live music at the historic Grand Ole Opry. The group heard a 2-hour show that featured several talented singers/songwriters including  Don Schlitz and Vince Gill. 

At the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, students experienced the magic of film music as the Nashville Symphony performed the score to Disney’s “The Lion King” live with the film.

“I really liked going to the symphony and watching them play the score,” Becker said. “It sounded a lot different in person, it was more moving.”

At Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, students walked through Tennessee’s history, stood before a massive granite map of the state and reflected at the World War II memorial. History came to life at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, where students explored the former president’s grand estate. And at the Parthenon, they marveled at a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek structure.

While there was plenty to learn, there was also time for fun. The group took up line dancing at Category 10, a venue owned by country music star Luke Bryan. They also explored the bustling streets of Broadway and listened to live music.

Other stops included the Gibson Garage and the Nashville Farmers’ Market.

As the plane touched down back home, the students carried more than just souvenirs. They also carried the pride of knowing they had made this journey possible through their own hard work. They brought back knowledge, inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the music and history that shaped their unforgettable adventure.

“It was a great experience overall,” Eakins said.

With this success, Davis said the band hopes to make this journey a new tradition.