Paynesville band and choir planning Memphis–Nashville trip; about 66 students expected to participate

Band director Nick Flatham told the board he is leading planning for a Memphis–Nashville music trip for grades 9–12 that would include Sun Records Studios, Graceland, a Bass Pro Shop visit and a recording/performance at RCA Studio B in Nashville.

"I think we have around 66 students going," Flatham said, describing the trip as exhausting but memorable. The proposed itinerary includes touring Sun Records, a Graceland museum visit, an evening show with backstage access, a Nashville city tour, and a studio performance that would let students produce a CD of their performance.

Fundraising: Flatham outlined fundraising plans including two butter-braid sales, "music stock" (a $10 contribution credited to a student’s account), and a fall 'soup, sandwich and song' concert with a silent auction. He said those activities, plus chaperone and staffing planning, will help fund students’ portions of the trip.

Next steps: Flatham and staff will continue logistics planning, confirm chaperone and bus assignments, and proceed with planned fundraisers to offset costs for participating students.