Albert Lea Senior High School students had the opportunity to travel to Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee, the biggest music cities in the United States, during the 2025 spring break. On the trip, the students were accompanied by choir director Erik Zinter and band director Suzanne Mauer. This was the first trip that Zinter planned for Albert Lea High School.

“We wanted to give the kids a cultural experience with a lot of music opportunities in both Nashville and Memphis,” said Zinter. “Nashville is the city of country music, and Memphis is the city of blues, so we thought those would be valuable experiences for our music group.” 

Nashville is known for its celebration of country music and the trip reflected that love. While in Nashville, students were able to visit The Grand Ole Opry, the Honky Tonk Highway and the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. The Grand Ole Opry is one of the exceptional country music performing venues in the country. Honky Tonk Highway is a stretch of Broadway that is full of life and free live music. The Country Music Hall of Fame is a must-see for tourists when in Nashville, since it is known as the home of country music. 

“Walking down Honky Tonk Highway and hearing all the live music and experiencing the different sounds was my favorite part of the trip,” said Junior Mayzie Paulson.

Memphis is home of the blues which originated from the deep south in the 1860s by African-Americans. Blues’ history is still strong in the city of Memphis. Students went to Beale Street in downtown Memphis, which is a popular tourist destination, while offering a high-spirited atmosphere filled with music, dining and many other opportunities.

“Seeing all of the lights and people on Beale Street made it feel alive and exciting,” said Junior Morgan Beckmann.

Both Nashville and Memphis played a big part in shaping music we have today and all over the world. Students were able to explore different cultures and get a better understanding of the music they perform. Students were able to open their perspective of different parts of the world and see where the stuff they love, like music, originated from and the meaning behind it. Most of the music we have today has just evolved over the years and on this trip the students get to see where it all started. Students had an experience where they are able to grow from it and improve their future performance with the knowledge they now have. 

“Anytime kids get to see live music, it can inspire them to improve their own performance,” said Zinter. “I think this trip will serve as an inspiration for their future performances.”

Looking back on the trip students will be able to see all the benefits travel provided them. By learning more about music history and seeing it come to life, students may be inspired to better themselves and their music. 

There were many rewarding parts, as Zinter said, “The most rewarding part of the trip was seeing the kids experience a new cultural center that many of them might never get to visit again.”