The Composer Series - Lionel Hampton Mystery Cache

*** CACHE IS NOT AT THE LISTED COORDINATES ***

BACKGROUND:

As a former band director, I feel the need to continue educating others about music. I will use this series of caches to share information about some of my favorite composers. Enjoy!

Lionel Hampton was one of the most extraordinary musicians of the 20th century and his artistic achievements symbolize the impact that jazz music has had on our culture in the 21st century. As a composer and arranger, Hampton wrote more than 200 works, including the jazz standards "Flying Home," "Evil Gal Blues," and "Midnight Sun" (one of my favorites). He also composed the major symphonic work, "King David Suite." His lifetime of "swinging" is well-documented through hundreds of recordings, many of which rank among the best in jazz. Lionel Hampton passed away August 31, 2002.

Lionel Hampton

THE CACHE:

To determine the correct coordinates leading to the cache container, you must first explore the life of Lionel Hampton by answering the following questions:

1. Lionel Hampton was born April 20, 1908 in Louisville, Kentucky. His father, Charles Hampton, a promising pianist and singer, was reported missing and later declared killed in World War I. Lionel and his mother first moved to this town, to be with her family, then later settled in Chicago.
   
   • If New York City, then A = 9
   • If Los Angeles, then A = 7
   • If Dallas, then A = 5
   • If Miami, then A = 3
   • If Seattle, then A = 1
   • If "none of the above", then A = 0
     
     
2. What instrument did Lionel Hampton handle when he joined his first band, the Chicago Defender's Newsboys Band?
   
   • If Vibraphone, then B = 2
   • If Snare Drum, then B = 4
   • If Bass Drum, then B = 6
   • If Cymbals, then B = 8
     
     
3. In 1930, Hampton was called in to a recording session with this famous jazz artist, and during a break Hampton walked over to a vibraphone and started to play. He ended up playing the vibes on one song. The song became a hit. Hampton had introduced a new voice to jazz and he became "King of the Vibes."
   
   • If Benny Goodman, then C = 2
   • If Louis Armstrong, then C = 4
   • If Tommy Dorsey, then C = 6
   • If Buddy Rich, then C = 8
     
     
4. Getting this number will take a little bit more work. First, name this famous bass player who played at one time with Hampton's band (The Lionel Hampton Orchestra). That musician also recorded the advantaged work "Let My Children Hear Music." Find the year that recording was originally released by Columbia Records. The third digit of that year will be your D value.
   
   
5. What jazz artist said this about Lionel Hampton upon his death?
   
   "It is difficult to find the words to describe the deep sadness that I have today. In our more than 50-year relationship ... Lionel Hampton was a mentor, collaborator and friend to me. Hamp was the consummate jazz artist.... I cut my teeth writing arrangements for Lionel Hampton, and there was no better school in the world than the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. He taught me how to groove and how to laugh and how to hang and how to live like a man."
   
   
   • If Clark Terry, then E = 2
   • If Art Farmer, then E = 4
   • If Clifford Brown, then E = 6
   • If Quincy Jones, then E = 8
     
     
6. What university is the home of the Lionel Hampton School of Music? In what year was it given that name? Take the last digit of that year and subtract 3. This is give you the value of F.

Now plug these variables into the formula below to learn the correct coordinates. The coordinates will lead you to a magnetic key holder containing a small logsheet. Bring your own writing utensil to sign the log. The location is not directly related to Lionel Hampton but they do share something in common.

N35° 03.ABC
W89° 47.DEF

Lunchtime Cache Beware of Muggles! Bring a pen or pencil Geocachers of West Tennessee

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