Signature City Nashville

Program Registration. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the conference room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will be accompanied on some field trips by local experts who will provide commentary as we go. At some field trip sites, the extent and duration of walking and other activities will be according to personal choice. Travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At a popular Nashville BBQ restaurant.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

In the hotel meeting room.

We will board a motorcoach with a local expert for a field trip to Studio B, originally RCA Studios, home of thousands of hits that helped to define the “Nashville sound.” Chet Atkins was one of the originators and Elvis mastered more than 200 songs here. An expert will tell us about many of the quirks and idiosyncrasies of this unique space where so much musical history has been created using the pianos, mics, and accessories we will see. We’ll also have an opportunity to sit back and listen to recordings by our favorite artists in Studio B. We will continue our morning with an introductory driving field trip through the heart of downtown Nashville. A local expert will provide enlightening and entertaining commentary as we ride, learning about colorful history, and seeing distinctive architecture. Highlights we will see include historic Ryman Auditorium, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Honky Tonk Row, the original Ernest Tubb Record Shop, the Tennessee state capitol building, and more. As we drive through Music Row, we’ll hear about aspects of the recording industry from songwriting to record producers, famous recording studios, and the performance rights organizations ASCAP & BMI that monitor airplay of songs all over the world so the songwriters get paid. We’ll also learn about Tennessee’s rich history with a drive through Centennial Mall Park to see the world’s only exact-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Nashville’s Parthenon dates from 1897. We’ll conclude our drive at the Country Music Hall of Fame (CMHOF).

Boxed lunch at the Hall of Fame.

Next, we will set out on a self-directed exploration of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum using educational audio devices. The CMHOF is a non-profit educational organization that includes the Taylor Swift Education Center, as well as permanent and rotating special exhibitions. There are stage costumes, instruments, photographs, and many artifacts highlighting the history of country music and musicians. Since 1961, the Country Music Association (CMA) has recognized performing artists and others who have made significant contributions to country music throughout their careers. The first inductees were Jimmie Rodgers, Fred Rose, and Hank Williams. There are now more than 100 who have been recognized with country music’s highest honor, each commemorated with a bronze plaque in the Hall of Fame Rotunda that includes Thomas Hart Benton’s iconic painting “The Sources of Country Music” — his final work. We can spend all afternoon in the CMHOF, listening to music and viewing exhibits. If feeling the need for a break, the hotel is just across the street.

Dinner is on your own tonight. Your group leader will provide suggestions.

At leisure. You may wish to walk back to the hotel with the group or stick around to enjoy more of Nashville’s nightlife.

At the hotel.

We will be joined in the conference room by a local expert for a presentation on the life and times of “The Man in Black,” Johnny Cash. The remainder of the morning will be free for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests each of us most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

On your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

We will regroup at an announced time at the hotel, board a motorcoach, and to the Grand Ole Opry House for a look backstage and behind the scenes led by a knowledgeable historian. Through expert commentary, we’ll learn about the history of the Opry and hear stories featuring the country music greats of past and present. We will also get to go onstage for a first-hand look at the tiered auditorium from the performers’ perspective, see backstage including the artists’ entrance, and stroll the halls filled with memorabilia.

Dinner will be at a restaurant across the street from the Opry.

We’ll walk across the street for a performance of the Grand Ole Opry, one of America’s great live music shows. It began as a radio broadcast in 1925 and became a national phenomenon. Generations of singers, players, and comedians have performed here forging country music’s legacy, just as a new generation of performers in country, bluegrass, comedy, gospel and more are moving it on. We have prime seats in the Gold Circle Section of the hall. Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not available. When confirmed, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment.

At the hotel.

We’ll walk over to Ryman Auditorium for an expert-led field trip. It began in 1892 as a gospel tabernacle, then a showcase for attractions from John Philip Sousa to Teddy Roosevelt to Mae West. When the Grand Ole Opry landed in 1943, the Ryman became the tabernacle of country music, featuring everyone from Roy Acuff to Hank Williams. After the Opry moved, everything went dark and for a time it looked as if the Ryman might even be demolished. But it was saved by community spirit, completely renovated, and again hosts some of the biggest acts in show business. A docent will lead our exploration through dressing rooms decorated with vintage photos and memorabilia of those who have performed here depending on availability. lights. Leaving the auditorium and walking across the street, we will make our way to the National Museum of African American Music where a docent will lead us through Nashville’s newest cultural institution. It is dedicated to preserving the legacy and celebrating the accomplishments of the many music genres that have been created, influenced, or inspired by African Americans. The exhibition galleries — integrating history and interactive technology — follow the “Rivers of Rhythm Pathway” to tell the story African Americans have played in creating what we call the American soundtrack that connects the people and music of our nation. As we walk, we will listen to the evolution of the sounds and learn about the legacy of these great artists.

On your own to sample more of the regional fare of your choice.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

At leisure. You may wish to explore local honky tonks and other downtown Nashville venues. The Group Leader will be happy to offer a list of suggestions.

At hotel.

After boarding the motor coach, we will stop by The Parthenon on the way to Belle Meade. Enjoy a self-directed visit to Nashville's full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens. We with then set out on a field trip to Belle Meade Plantation, a living vestige of a bygone era, where an expert will lead our exploration. The original Harding family farm began in the early 1800s and developed over several decades. The mansion we see today, built in Greek Revival style, was commissioned in 1845. During the Civil War, Union and Confederate forces fought in the front yard. We will also have an opportunity to taste delicious wines.

At Belle Meade in the 1800s Carriage House/Stable House.

We will board our motor coach and stop by the Tennessee State Musuem. Enjoy a self-directed exploration at the museum.

At our hotel. Share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

At hotel. This concludes our program.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!