Memphis - GRAMMY U Kickoff with Memphis Symphony Orchestra's Opus One and Al Kapone

College and high school students from all across the Mid-South filled the New Daisy theatre on historic Beale Street Wednesday Night for what proved to be an amazing cross genre performance. Excitement built as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s Opus One warmed up and rapper Al Kapone took the stage. Beginning with a Q&A session, students were able to learn everything from recording, marketing, and performing in a cross genre performance. Panelists included former Memphis Chapter Presidents Kurt "KC" Clayton and Al Kapone, Susanna Perry Gilmore (Memphis Symphony violinist and concert master), Heather Trussell (violinist MSO), Sam Shoup (writer, arranger, composer & musician w/ MSO), Jonathan Kirkscey (arranger, composer, cellist w/ MSO and Memphis Chapter Board Member), Jeff Powell (engineer, producer recording concert, co-chair of the P&E Wing), Chris Jackson (Ardent Tech), Gaylon Patterson (violinist MSO), Tarrik Moore (U-Dig Dance Academy founder). Independent Engineer Jeff Powell explained to students the complexities and challenges engineers face with live recordings in artificial reverberation setting.  Al Kapone and Susanna Perry Gilmore discussed a performance perspective. For many students, this was their first time experiencing a cross genre performance. The kickoff party proved to be a success as every student left with the impression that cross genre performances are the way of the future!