Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

In Whitwell, A State-Of-The-Art Piano Lab For Middle School Students

WUTC | By Ray Bassett

Published September 9, 2024 at 6:51 PM EDT

The city of Whitwell in Marion County is about 25 miles northwest of Chattanooga - a little more than a half- hour drive away.

At Whitwell Middle School, a state-of-the-art piano lab for the students opened earlier this year - thanks to donations from the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, the Lyndhurst Foundation and the Songbirds Foundation.

Roger Payne is the school’s music director.

Over the summer, I spoke with him; Caroline von Kessler, vice president of philanthropy at the Community Foundation; and donor Dr. Ruth Liu.