29th August 2008 - by Dave Knapp
Nashville Hits the Right
Note
Whether you're interested in music or history, Nashville,
Tennessee is rich in educational opportunities for student
groups traveling to the region. While students are learning a
lot in Music City, they're going to learn about Music City at
the same time.
A visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum brings
students face to face with the history of America's music
through interactive displays, films, and costumes. The largest
popular music museum in the world contains more than 600
instruments, including rare models and prototypes. Students can
record their own hit song at the historic RCA Studio B on Music
Row, where the likes of Elvis once performed. Groups may also
book a private session and learn about the craft of songwriting
with an accomplished songwriter, and schedule a performance on
the grounds of the museum.
It's always exciting at the Grand Ole Opry. Regardless of
whether you're a country music fan, you can't help but feel the
energy in this historic landmark. Shows are held every Friday
at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. During the
months of April - December, students may also catch a show on
Tuesday at 7 p.m. Special performance programs can be scheduled
to provide groups with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to
perform in the Opry Plaza, adjacent to the Grand Ole Opry
Museum.
While Nashville is known as the country music capital of the
world, many rock, pop, and soul records have been recorded here
as well. A visit to the Musicians Hall of Fame showcases the
broader form of music known throughout the world. Some of the
famous hall of fame inductees are Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan,
Neil Young, and No Doubt - all who have recorded in
Nashville.
Nashville is also the home of the world's largest floating
musical theater, the General Jackson Showboat. The ship
measures 300 feet in length and boasts four massive decks.
Casual mid-day cruises feature a comedy and country music show
performed in the two-story theater located in the center of the
boat. Students can also admire the views of the Cumberland
River from the decks. A student performance area is available
in the boarding area.
While there's no shortage of music-related attractions in
Nashville, the destination also features its share of historic
sites. Belle Meade Plantation is not only an 1853 Greek revival
mansion; it was once a world-renowned Thoroughbred horse
breeding farm. In fact, the bloodlines of Sea Biscuit, Funny
Cide, Smarty Jones, and Barbarro began here. Surrounding
historic outbuildings include the 1890s carriage house and
stables, as well as an original 1790s log cabin.
The plantation is also home to the Belmont Mansion, built in
1853. The mansion has been recognized as one of the most
elaborate and unusual homes in the South. Its original owner,
Adelicia Acklen, secretly conspired with both the Confederate
and Union forces to emerge from the Civil War with her fortune
intact. The mansion's Grand Salon is considered the most
elaborate domestic room built in antebellum Tennessee.
Cheekwood, with its 55 acres, is more than a historic site. The
estate was built by the Maxwell House Coffee fortune and has
beautiful gardens and fine art exhibits. The botanical garden
showcases horticultural collections, while the Museum of Art
presents American and European art and is recognized as a
center for contemporary art in the Southeast. A wide range of
curriculum tours are available for student groups.
In addition to area attractions, Nashville offers a variety of
performance opportunities through its festival events for
bands, drill teams, choirs, and more. What could be more
exciting for students than to perform on one of the many famous
stages of Music City? Music Festivals and Gaylord Opryland
Resort host Nashville On Stage for show choirs, held at the
Grand Ole Opry. Classic concert choirs perform at the Gaylord
Opyrland Resort and Convention Center. An awards dinner follows
aboard the General Jackson Showboat. Other music festivals
include the American Musical Salute, Heritage Music Festival,
and the Nashville Music Festival. Cheer and dance drill teams
can hone their skills at events such as Cheer and Dance Drill
Team America in the spring or the Christmas Dance Spectacular,
featuring the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes.
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Travel Adventures is a student tour provider
staffed by educators who understand the needs
of teachers. It has served over one half
million students since 1987 and its mission is
to "empower teachers to create change by
expanding the classroom to the world." visit
http://www.traveladventures.com
.
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