134 - Reed Caldwell (Songbirds Foundation)

134 - Reed Caldwell (Songbirds Foundation) In episode 134 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine host, James Patrick Regan speaks with guitarist and executive director of the Songbirds Foundation in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Reed Caldwell. In their conversation Reed tells us about the foundation how began as a museum and a foundation for bringing guitar into schools and how the focus changed to mostly the foundation teaching guitar in schools in eight states. Reed tells of the guitars they currently have on display: Joe Maphis’s guitar, one of Chuck Berry’s guitars and a guitar owned and played by Dolly Parton. Reed tells about the building the foundation owns which includes a performance space, a studio as well as the displayed guitars. Reed takes us through some of the foundations programs such as the Right To Rock program which team’s students with songwriters who teach the fundamentals of songwriting and then after writing a song the students get to hear their songs recorded by professional band. Reed shares the insights into the guitar collection which was up to 300 instruments and where the few guitars they’ve sold to build their endowment, were sold (Well Strung Guitars in New York City) Reed talks about the partnership with Gibson and Epiphone to provide guitars at a reduced price to the foundation to give to the students. They are also partnered with Ernie Ball and Guitar Center. Reed also explains how donated guitars are auctioned off or sold to provide the students guitars. Reed tells us about his background and how he ended up in his position as the executive director of Songbirds Foundation. You can find out all you want to know and make a donation at the Songbirds Foundation website: songbirdsfoundation.org Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #VintageGuitarMagazine #ReedCaldwell #SongbirdsFoundation #MusicforKids #GuitarMuseum #guitar #Guitar #Chattanooga #GibsonGives #GuitarHero #Epiphone #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #HGWT . Please like, comment, and share this podcast! Download Link