MORE THAN MUSIC

by tom pemberton,

Tennessee seems to beckon to talented young people, and this summer some of those young people were members of The Journey Youth Choir on their first summer tour since 2019. The choir’s ability to share love with all ages through music and personal interaction is something special to witness.

After a congregational send-off, we drove to our first stop, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, for a night in the dorm rooms. Music, worship, games, and plenty of excitement all contributed to this group “banding” together.

Touring the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis the next day impacted everyone, and we all came away with more knowledge and respect. An impromptu performance outside the museum was quick, fun, and hot! The choir sang at Belmont Senior Living that afternoon. Visiting with the residents before and after the concert made the experience that much more meaningful on both sides.

Nashville was just a morning drive away and our home for the next three days. First stop was the Tennessee School for the Blind. The students there met the choir through a concert, but they got to know each other afterwards as they made instruments together and followed where their interests and talents led them. Curious about the drums, one student enjoyed discovering each drum, cymbal, and step before playing them. Another student asked how many girls and boys were in the choir. A spontaneous solo followed by a student rapping was amazing and heart-warming. Interacting with the students and seeing how they interpreted music was a highlight. The true impact of this trip on our youth was becoming evident. And the day wasn’t over. A little unwinding at the Grand Ole Opry was in store in the evening. Little did we know when tickets were purchased months earlier that the performers that night would include Josh Turner, the Oak Ridge Boys, Lainey Wilson, and Carrie Underwood. What a treat!

Wednesday’s performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame entertained people as they walked through the lobby toward the exhibits. One gentleman sat down and listened to the entire show. The choir sang later that day at the Nashville Rescue Mission, where residents of the mission applauded every song and even sang along to many. Music touched some souls that evening. Our last stop in Nashville was a tour of Studio B, and the choir recorded a song.