GSC Bluegrass Band members Ryan Spangerberg, left, Jordan Young
and Carol Belknap harmonize on vocals during Tuesday nights concert.
By Drew Moody
For the Hur Herald
Fall themed decorations greeted those attending the Tuesday
night's Glenville State College Bluegrass Band fall concert.
The centerpiece of the foyer featured a sprinkling of colorful
balloons. Refreshments were available, and a bevy of home-
made sweets near the auditorium entrance served to announce
they'd all be auctioned during intermission.
Old friends gathered visiting, some talking "bluegrass" sharing
techniques and playing styles.
Selections from the complete collection of "Reno and Smiley"
played softly in the auditorium for pre-concert enjoyment.
Last spring's graduation claimed several key members of the
the GSC bluegrass program including Luke Shamblin and
Josh Chapman.
The reconfigured band with new members and remaining
veterans didn't disappoint the well-attended concert, a
fund-raiser dedicated to the "father of bluegrass," Bill
Monroe.
Megan Murphy, who co-directs the band with Buddy
Griffin, said students put in long rehearsal hours in
the three weeks they had to prepare for the event.
Murphy, a veteran performer, and Griffin, the 'dean' of
GSC bluegrass, took the stage on a few numbers which
included selections from The Carter Family and Jim &
Jesse McReynolds.
In recent years, Jesse McReynolds has joined the GSC
Bluegrass Band onstage at the Fine Arts Center.
On one toe-tapping number the audience was invited
to join the band on stage for a quick hoedown.
For those never visiting a stock yard to buy livestock,
or enjoyed attending an estate sale, the intermission
featured a professional auctioneer, Charlie Lowdin,
at center stage finding the highest bidder for the sweet
treats.
Steve Peters, owner of WOTR 96.3 was on hand
broadcasting the concert live over the airwaves.
Glenville State College is the first to offer a 4-year
bluegrass music degree.
Members of the bluegrass program performing Tuesday
night were: Carol Belknap, Ryan Spangenberg, Trish
Cottrill (of Glenville), Jordan Young, Richie Jones, Robbie
Mann, and Laiken Boyd. Guest artist was Brittany
McGuire.
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