Memorable Music in Memphis

And so the turn of the calendar page finds me in Memphis and joyfully so. I spent most of the day in the Cannon Center, where folks like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead and more have performed. But equally—if not more impressive— so have some 300 5^th grade children performed, each year since 1968 to a full-house in the 2,000 + seat theater. And two hours from now, will perform again, after two days of intense rehearsals. And I will proudly be up on that stage directing one of their nine pieces. 

 

Today’s rehearsal ended around 2:30 pm and it was a good time for me to get out in the fresh air and wander the banks of the Mississippi. To explore a bit of the trolley-tracked car-free Main Street in a small 10-15 blocks of downtown. To sit in the park near my hotel under a shaded tree in 83 degree heat and write a bit in my journal. The small pleasures in the life of a traveling music teacher. 

 

Memphis is unique in the small size of its downtown. It’s impressive in the preservation of old buildings, the various signs telling of its history and statues commemorating courageous souls— many of them women— who fought for the freedoms we grew to take for granted and are now squandering. At any rate, there is a sense of character in the neighborhood, punctuated by that “old man river who just keeps rollin’ along.”

 

And yet it is missing some contemporary vitality, the kinds of restaurants and bars that attract people and bring a buzz to the streets. Beale Street is not too far, but the word is that the patrons are mostly tourists and it has more of a museum feel than a current vigor and vivacity. Some neighborhoods my host and I have driven through have a bit of a bombed-out feeling and yes, there are some homeless people (though small compared to San Francisco!). Others, of course, have lovely modest houses with front porches and affordable prices. As mentioned, the museums are superb and the food is barbecue, but from my perspective, the grandest glory is this event with kids from 96 schools, each of which has a thriving music program. 

 

It is my honor to get to participate with them tonight and indeed, it’s time to get ready. In a lifetime of many memorable musical and music education events, I believe this will be in the top five or ten. I’m confident all will go well—but it is April Fool’s Day. We shall see!