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Musicians Put Community Wellness and Support at Top of Priority List

Memphis native Randall Goosby (center) and Iris member Felix Wang at Le Bon Heur Children's Hospital in Memphis.
Iris Collective
Memphis native Randall Goosby (center) and Iris member Felix Wang at Le Bon Heur Children's Hospital in Memphis.

A Tempo this Saturday (1/4 at 7 pm) spotlights the Iris Collective, which three years ago made community programs the center of its mission.

Three years ago, members of the Iris Orchestra chose to transform the ensemble into a collective focusing on community-based programs, such as offering music education programs and bringing music to healthcare and wellness institutions. This month the Germantown, Tennessee-based Iris Collective, whose members hail from around the U.S., will launch an 8-week program in collaboration with Baptist Centers for Good Grief in Memphis to provide support for families facing loss. A Tempo host Rachel Katz this week chats with Iris Artistic and Strategic Advisor Mary Javian about the collective, its programs, and the role community engagement plays in its vision.

Rachel Katz is the host of A Tempo which airs Saturdays at 7 pm.