WTPR (West Tennessee Player’s Resource) is a group in Paris, Tennessee for area musicians and vocalists to get together, talk about music, write songs, learn from each other, and, most importantly, play music! It was founded in 2019 by several individuals, including Tom Westhoven, Paul Holtgrewe, Bernd Kollman, Alan Knowles, and others.
As music programs are slowly disappearing from school curricula, this group of individuals have stepped up to fill the gap. WTPR is dedicated to providing local youth with the resources necessary to play and learn music. They’ve held several fundraising events to raise money for the purchase of musical equipment for area kids with aspirations of pursuing music. Aside from purchasing instruments, WTPR has also aided in teaching anyone who wants to learn how to play or write songs for free!
Not only does WTPR work to help people get started on their musical journey, they highlight the talents of up-and-coming performers as well. Their YouTube Channel, Tunes & Tales from the Woodshed, features interviews and in-studio performances from locally prominent musicians. The Channel also serves as a platform to bring awareness to those guests who aspire to achieve great things in the music industry.
WTPR members are always playing at local venues around Paris, as well as other areas of Tennessee. They also meet weekly, and anyone and everyone who enjoys making music is welcome to attend and join in on the fun!
For more information about meeting times and performance dates, join their Facebook page here. Don’t miss out on what this great group of musicians is doing for this wonderful community!