Rock Me Mama Like A Wagon Wheel
Rebecca’s light shines on through musical celebration with Ketch Secor
On Apr. 11, 2019, St. George’s middle and high school students and faculty gathered in the gym at the end of a long school day to celebrate Rebecca’s Light. Rebecca’s Light is an annual event in memoriam of Rebecca Meriwether Cooper Klyce ’12. Although, supported by her parents, it has a hopeful tone, carrying on her legacy and love for music for students to enjoy. The message of this memoriam that Head of School Mr. Ross Peters relayed in his introduction is that “every child is a child of God, and every child can feel his love from music.”
Ketch Secor, who along with Bob Dylan brought St. George’s its unofficial anthem, “Wagon Wheel,” was this year’s guest music artist. Although, his ties to the St. George’s community run deeper than just providing a fight song. Having Secor play was fitting as St. George’s is reaffirming its connection with the Episcopal church. Secor is not only a musician but also founded the Episcopal School of Nashville and serves as a founding board member for the Episcopal School of Knoxville. The St. George’s Modern Music Ensemble joined him on the stage to play a variety of folk songs that entertained the students. The assembly culminated in students and faculty joining hands, creating a circle that spanned the entire gymnasium to sing the final “Wagon Wheel” of the 2019 school year.
Head of school, Mr. Ross Peters, introduces Ketch Secor, the musical guest for the annual Rebecca’s Light on Apr. 11, 2019. Rebecca’s Light is held in memory of Rebecca Meriwether Cooper Klyce ’12 to remind the school that “every child is a child of God, and every child can feel his love from music.”
Secor opens his set with “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” by Johnny Cash on his guitar. Some students clapped along with the beat.
“Will the Circle Be Unbroken”
Ninth grade english teacher, Mr. Adcock and Upper School Director of Student Life, Mrs. Emmy McClain, along with other teachers smile as Secor plays a folk version of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
Ketch Secor explains the history behind various instruments that influenced his unique folk sound to the students and teachers in the audience.
Students, Miles Masters, Allison Evans and Elizabeth Crane smile in response to Secor’s enthusiasm for music. The spread of joy through music is the core of what Rebecca’s Light intends to honor.
Secor shows off one of his favorite instruments, the banjo. The students cheered in response.
Secor Playing Banjo
Secor pulls out his fiddle to play “Cotten Eyed Joe” on request from a middle schooler in the audience. He impressed the audience members that clapped along.
“Cotten Eyed Joe”
Secor pulls up the St. George’s Modern Music Ensemble to join him on the stage, and they play a song from their recent Beatles concert. Students gathered around the group as each member played various instruments.
Mr. Jason Hills, Director of the Institute for Citizenship and father of Modern Music Ensemble Member, Elianna Hills, pulls out his camera to record the students’ performance. The crowd began to gather to the signature circle for “Wagon Wheel.”
Students gather to a circle as the Modern Music Ensemble joins Ketch Secor in playing his band’s signature song “Wagon Wheel.” Circling up to sing “Wagon Wheel” serves as a tradition for athletic victories.
“Wagon Wheel”
Seniors Jake Hurley, Kyle Gasaway, Jack Simpson and Andy Bean wrap arms as they sing their final “Wagon Wheel” as St. George’s students before they graduate.
Middle and high schoolers alike wrap arms around each other to join together in the “Wagon Wheel.” This was a way to wrap up the 2019 school year.
