Nashville bound Approximately 80 students from Pillager High School’s band and choir (under the direction of Rob Freelove) traveled by charter bus to Nashville April 22 - 27, a trip they’ve been preparing for for the past several months.

During their tour in Tennessee, the students had the chance to perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame; and participated in a Master Music Clinic

at University of Memphis - Rudi Scheidt School of

Music.

Also on the agenda was a tour of the Gibson Guitar Factory; visits to Graceland and the Opryland Hotel; a dinner and music revue on the General Jackson Showboat; and a meal at Hard Rock Cafe.

The students worked hard throughout the school year to raise money for this trip, and a number of fundraisers were held on their behalf.

“We wouldn’t have been able to go without the support of this community,” said Ann Hutchison, PHS business teacher and one of the 10 chaperones who accompanied the students on their music tour.

Hutchison mentioned that the Pillager Fire and Rescue and the Pillager Booster Club gave generous donations toward the trip. The community also supported a variety of fundraisers and Super One Grocery in Brainerd allowed students to bag groceries for tips.

Members of the Pillager High School Choir rehearsed, “Where Have all the Flowers Gone,” prior to their trip to Nashville (along with the PHS Band) April 22 - 27. Approximately 80 students, under the direction of Rob Freelove, took part in the tour and had the chance to perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame and the University of Memphis. (Staples World photo by Dawn Timbs)