Nashville Music Medics Make Some Music Education History


On October 27, 2025, the Nashville Music Medics made some music education history, as we were honored to have been invited to present the story of our outreach to a David Lipscomb University Lifelong Learning course, “Music at the Mansion.”  The class was held at the historic Longview Mansion, a property owned by and near the David Lipscomb University campus.


Our webmaster baritone had done some research about this beautiful facility in preparation for the visit. We learned this antebellum mansion was built as a cottage around 1850 for Henry Norvell and Laura Sevier, the granddaughter of the first Governor of Tennessee, John Sevier. During the Civil War it served as headquarters for Confederate General John Bell Hood as he prepared before the Battle of Nashville in December 1864. . It was enlarged and renovated in the 1878 in the Italianate style by purchaser James Caldwell and again in the early 1906 in the Beaux-Arts style. The Mansion also served as a church for eight years, Franklin Road Church of Christ, until sold again in 1960.  It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983
                                                                
                                        


But now on to our story:
         
As we arrived we were warmly greeted by our hostess, Director of  Lifelong Learning & Senior Alumni Programs, Amy Hamar, and Janet McMahan, Class Facilitator.

We truly did not know what we had gotten ourselves into, or what a treat we were about to receive.

After "hello!" and a brief introduction inviting questions as we presented our story, we sang for an eager and energetic group of classmates, who participated enthusiastically by asking us questions (such as "Why do you wear those blue scrubs?" after the first song! ) as well as asking to sing along with one of our favorite songs, “It is Well.” 

Of course we serenaded Amy with our popular “The Name Song.” And that resulted in another question, "How does that work with a three syllable name?".

The Medics may have interested one of the gentlemen in class to our Medics group. We can always use another good singer.

                                                                                                         



A bit of human interest during this visit surrounded our tenor singer (whose mobility was limited) and his meeting with an antique elevator.       

                                                       Photos often speak volumes!

                                                      


The Medics come from all walks of life and in our group we have one college professor, one high school math teacher, and luckily enough, one Lipscomb alumni, one of our baritones, Tommy!                                                  That helped win them over for sure

                                                                       


The Medics just never know what opportunities will seek us or where life’s journey may take us, but we always stand ready to promote our music and our ministry to those who may have need of the joy and comfort music brings into our lives. We always feel blessed by being able to sing for our friends old and new.

Comment: The course is sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement, the Lifelong Learning program offers people of retirement and semi-retirement age an opportunity to expand knowledge and explore new ideas in an informal, non-competitive environment. Learning occurs in a pleasant social atmosphere in classes with your peers—without exams, grades or credit hours! Plus, no previous educational requirement is needed. Select one or more of the courses offered, and engage in the ongoing work of learning.Music at the Mansion is one of the courses offered each semester.


            It’s Great to Be a Nashville Music Medic!          Changing the world one smile at a time!





Prepared for Nashville Music Medics, a collaboration by Wayne Jackson and Sam English