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Wednesday, November 11, 2026Nov 11

Kennedy: Path to music has many on-ramps

Photo contributed by Antoine Williamson
Photo contributed by Antoine Williamson Photo contributed by Antoine Williamson

There’s a grim joke that musicians tell.

Antoine Williamson, a Chattanooga jazz trumpeter, knows it well.

“What’s the difference between a musician and a park bench?” Williamson said. “A park bench can support a family of four.”

The point: Trying to make a living as an instrumentalist is a big ask – doubly so if your instrument of choice happens to be made of brass.

Still, Williamson, 46, is giving it a go.