GSC’s Teresa Dody Sings at Carnegie Hall

For the third time in her career, the voice of Glenville State College Assistant Professor of Music Teresa Dody has graced the world famous Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Last fall, Dody was invited by renowned British composer Jonathan Willcocks to perform in the choral premiere of his ‘A Great and Glorious Victory.‘ Dody has had the opportunity to work with Maestro Willcocks on previous occasions as well. In 2001 and again in 2008, Dody was honored to perform as a soloist at Carnegie Hall.

The performance of ‘A Great and Glorious Victory’ was held on January 20, 2013 in the Isaac Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall. The production included a massed choir comprised of several choirs from the United Kingdom, other singers from the United States, and orchestra and tenor soloists.

“It is always a thrill and an honor to perform in one of, if not, the most famous halls in the United States. This is the first time for me to perform in the largest hall, Isaac Stern Auditorium, and as part of an ensemble. I loved my previous opportunities as a soloist, but this was rewarding as well. Jonathan Willcock’s music is beautiful and inspiring. It is a gorgeous auditorium, and it was a joy to be part of the premiere,“ said Dody.

Dody is completing her fifth year at GSC. She teaches vocal music education, voice, and directs the GSC choirs. In 2011, Dody was selected as the GSC Curtis Elam Professor.

Professor Dody is once again looking forward to working with Willcocks but this time at Glenville State College. Maestro Willcocks has agreed to come to GSC for a week’s residency and perform a major work with students, faculty, and the community. It was hoped that Willcocks would visit GSC in October of 2013 to lead a production of ‘African Sanctus’ by British composer David Fanshawe.  However, financial considerations have pushed the Willcocks’ residency to October of 2014.

“Jonathan Willcocks, a major figure in choral music, has agreed to come to Glenville State College in the fall of 2014. I was privileged to perform this work with Maestro Willcocks in July of 2011. I’ve been studying this piece with the intention of our students having the opportunity to experience it. It is an incredible work as it melds the tribal music from Africa with a setting of the Anglican mass. Mr. Fanshawe recorded the tribal music in Africa as he traveled along the Nile. At one point he was hearing the music from a Christian church alongside the Islamic call to prayer and was inspired that both societies could exist peacefully. The recordings he made are infused with the live performance of a large choir, children’s choir, soprano soloist, various percussionist, and guitar players. It is truly like something that has not been heard before and so inspiring. Maestro Willcocks is the world’s leading expert on the work as he has performed it more than twenty times world-wide. We had hoped to do it this fall but unfortunately had to postpone it for a year due to a lack of funding. I’m excited at the possibilities for bringing the world to our students here in Glenville,“ said Dody.

Willcocks’ visit to GSC is dependent on the GSC Fine Arts Department’s ability to raise approximately $7,000 needed to fund the project. Dody says that efforts are underway to secure the needed funding. Anyone wishing to contribute may contact Dody at or 304.462.6345.

Pickin’ and Singin’ at the 19th Annual North Bend Bluegrass Festival May 10-11, 2013

The 19th annual Bluegrass Festival at North Bend State Park features seven bands over a two-day period, May 10-11, 2013.

Bluegrass weekends are popular across the United States, from Kentucky, Tennessee and Pennsylvania, to “Pickin’ in Parsons” in West Virginia.  “We’re not the biggest festival, but the talent and music is great. It is a family atmosphere and the price is reasonable,” said Ken Zebo, activities coordinator at this state park located in Ritchie County.

The festival also includes craft vendors and concessions.

The festival will take place at North Bend’s amphitheater. Seating is available, or attendees may bring a chair or blanket. In case of inclement weather, the bands play in Shelter #3 nearby.  A refreshment concession on site helps support the park expenses for this event; however, coolers are permitted, but alcohol is not.

A Friday-only ticket is $10 and a Saturday-only ticket is $25 per person and available at North Bend Lodge or the event gate. Overnight packages are available at the park lodge and cabins as well as a camping rate that includes festival and campsite.

North Bend Bluegrass Festival Bands are:

Friday, May 10, 2013:

•  The Hart Brothers, 6 PM

•  Remington Ryde, 7 PM

•  The Hillbilly Gypsies, 8 PM

•  Carolina Road, 9 PM

Saturday, May 11, 2013:

•  Buddy Griffin and Ashley Messenger 1 PM

•  Carolina Road, 2 PM

•  Buck and Company, 3 PM

•  Remington Ryde, 4 PM

•  The Hart Brothers, 5 PM

•  The Sheppard Brothers, 6 PM

•  Johnny Staats & The Delivery Boys, 7-9 PM

•  The Hillbilly Gypsies, 9 PM to the conclusion of the festival. The Master of Ceremonies is Butch Sheppard.

For information about North Bend State Park, accommodations, restaurant, activities and events, visit www.northbendsp.com or call 304.643.2931.

G-Comm™: Pete Seeger: Changing the World One Song at a Time

Before the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, Jim Hendrix, Bob Dylan and others, there was Pete Seeger. With his five-string banjo in hand, Seeger helped to lay the foundation for American protest music, singing out about the plight of everyday working folks and urging listeners to political and social activism. In fact, Pete Seeger is one of the most important musical influences of the 20th century.

Born in New York City on May 03, 1919, Seeger, whose father was a pacifist musicologist, was plunged into the world of music and politics from an early age. He studied sociology at Harvard University until 1938, when he dropped out and spent the summer bicycling through New England and New York, painting watercolors of farmers’ houses in return for food. Looking for but failing to get a job as a newspaper reporter in New York City, he then worked at the Archives of American Folk Music at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. In 1940, Seeger met Woody Guthrie at a Grapes of Wrath migrant-worker benefit concert. Seeger, Guthrie, Lee Hays and Millard Lampell joined together to form the Almanac Singers, which became known for its political radicalism and support of communism.

In 1942, Seeger was drafted by the U.S. Army and sent to Saipan in the Western Pacific. After the war, he helped start the People’s Songs Bulletin, later Sing Out! magazine, which combined information on folk music with social criticism. In 1950, Seeger formed The Weavers with Lee Hays, Ronnie Gilbert and Fred Hellerman. Targeted for the political messages behind some of their songs, the group was blacklisted and banned from television and radio. 

In 1955, the House Committee on Un-American Activities subpoenaed Seeger to appear before them (read his testimony at www.peteseeger.net/HUAC.htm). During the hearings, Seeger refused to disclose his political views and the names of his political associates. When asked by the committee to name for whom he had sung, Seeger replied, “I am saying voluntarily that I have sung for almost every religious group in the country, from Jewish and Catholic, and Presbyterian and Holy Rollers and Revival Churches, and I do this voluntarily. I have sung for many, many different groups—and it is hard for perhaps one person to believe, I was looking back over the twenty years or so that I have sung around these forty-eight states, that I have sung in so many different places.” He was sentenced to one year in jail but, quoting the First Amendment, successfully appealed the decision after spending four hours behind bars. However, he has been blacklisted most of his life from normal radio and television work.

During the 1960s, Seeger traveled around the country, continuing to play his folk songs for the peace and civil rights movements. Deeply offended by the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, Seeger, along with other folk singers such as Joan Baez, led many protests.

“Wherever he was asked, when the need was the greatest, he, like Kilroy, was there. And still is,” said his long-time friend, Studs Terkel. “Though his voice is somewhat shot, he holds forth on that stage. Whether it be a concert hall, a gathering in the park, a street demonstration, any area is a battleground for human rights.”

In 1963, Seeger recorded the now-famous gospel song “We Shall Overcome.” In 1965, he sang it on the 50-mile walk from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, with Martin Luther King, Jr. and 1,000 other marchers. That song would go on to become the anthem for the civil rights movement and be translated into many languages. Seeger also turned his attention to cleaning up the Hudson River that ran past his home. In 1966, he helped form Clearwater, an organization dedicated to educating the public on environmental concerns such as pollution and protecting the river. The group offers educational programs for children on a 76-foot replica of a traditional Hudson cargo sloop and holds a two-day festival on the banks of the Hudson River every June.

Seeger was awarded the Presidential Medal of the Arts and the prestigious Kennedy Center Award in 1994. In 1996, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his contribution to music and to the development of rock and folk music. In April of that year, he received the Harvard Arts Medal, and after decades of creating songs, in 1997, Seeger won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album for his album, Pete.

Seeger, however, has not always been so lavishly praised. Often chastised for his “communist beliefs,” Seeger has dealt with criticism and misunderstanding. “I say I’m more conservative than Goldwater. He just wanted to turn the clock back to when there was no income tax. I want to turn the clock back to when people lived in small villages and took care of each other,” he says.

While many of the legendary men and women Seeger associated with are gone, he continues his political and environmental endeavors. He still seems to subscribe to the same philosophy he held to four decades ago, when he advised young people to follow their hearts and take initiative: “Well, here’s hoping all the foregoing will help you avoid a few dead-end streets (we all hit some), and here’s hoping enough of your dreams come true to keep you optimistic about the rest. We’ve got a big world to learn how to tie together. We’ve all got a lot to learn. And don’t let your studies interfere with your education.”

At 94 years old, Pete Seeger is still speaking out. Indeed, in an interview I conducted with Pete Seeger several years ago, I asked him whether he had found an answer to the question “When will they ever learn?” which he repeatedly posed in his song, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone.” Seeger’s response is one for the books:

We will never know everything. But I think if we can learn within the next few decades to face the danger we all are in, I believe there will be tens of millions, maybe hundreds of millions, of human beings working wherever they are to do something good. I tell everybody a little parable about the “teaspoon brigades.” Imagine a big seesaw. One end of the seesaw is on the ground because it has a big basket half full of rocks in it. The other end of the seesaw is up in the air because it’s got a basket one quarter full of sand. Some of us have teaspoons and we are trying to fill it up. Most people are scoffing at us. They say, “People like you have been trying for thousands of years, but it is leaking out of that basket as fast as you are putting it in.” Our answer is that we are getting more people with teaspoons every day. And we believe that one of these days or years—who knows—that basket of sand is going to be so full that you are going to see that whole seesaw going zoop! in the other direction. Then people are going to say, “How did it happen so suddenly?” And we answer, “Us and our little teaspoons over thousands of years.” But I don’t think we have forever. I now believe that all technological societies tend to self-destruct. The reason is that the very things that make us a successful technological society, such as our curiosity, our ambition and determination, will also cause us to fall.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson corresponded for 13 years before they died on the same day. They asked, “How can one have prosperity without commerce? How can one have commerce without luxury? How can one have luxury without corruption? How can you have corruption without the end of the Republic?” And they really didn’t know the answer. Today I would ask, “How can one have a technological society without research? How can one have research without researching dangerous areas? How can one research dangerous areas without uncovering dangerous information? How can you uncover dangerous information without it falling into the hands of insane people who will sooner or later destroy the human race, if not the whole of life on earth?” Who knows? God only knows!

~~  John W. Whitehead ~~

GSC Spring Jazz Band Concert - April 30, 2013 - Tonight

The Glenville State College Jazz Band concert is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

“The concert will feature various styles of music for the big band. There will be some classic swing music, a couple bebop standards, some funk, some jazz rock, and even a new Beach Boys tune that came out last summer,” said Dr. David Lewis, Jazz Band Director and GSC Assistant Professor of Music Education. “As always, there will be lots of student soloists. I’m proud of how the group has improved over the last few years,” said Lewis.

The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact the Fine Arts Department at 304.462.6340.

GSC Spring Jazz Band Concert - 04.30.13

The Glenville State College Jazz Band concert is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

“The concert will feature various styles of music for the big band. There will be some classic swing music, a couple bebop standards, some funk, some jazz rock, and even a new Beach Boys tune that came out last summer,” said Dr. David Lewis, Jazz Band Director and GSC Assistant Professor of Music Education. “As always, there will be lots of student soloists. I’m proud of how the group has improved over the last few years,” said Lewis.

The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact the Fine Arts Department at 304.462.6340.

GSC Student Invited to Prestigious Music Training Workshop

Glenville State College junior Seth Stemple has been selected to attend and perform with the 4th annual Druid City Opera Workshop at the University of Alabama. The workshop, sponsored by the University of Alabama School of Music, Voice Department and Opera Theatre will be held May 22 through May 30, 2013 encompassing nine days of intensive training. Stemple will be studying voice, stage combat/movement as well as preparing opera scenes for a performance at the end of the workshop.

Stemple is a music education/music performance major from Fairmont (Marion County), West Virginia. He auditioned for the workshop by sending in a recording and was one of only eighteen students who were chosen nationally for the event.

“I am very honored to be accepted into this workshop. There are not many opera workshops for people my age. Usually these programs are for graduate and doctoral students. I am also honored to represent Glenville State College and West Virginia in this year’s Druid City Opera Workshop. It’s wonderful to know that Glenville State College has top quality teachers that have prepared me for such an adventure,“ said Stemple.

While at GSC, Stemple has taken advantage of many opportunities to expand his talents. He is the Field Commander for the Pioneer Marching Band, traveled to Austria last summer to perform with the GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble, is a soloist in Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, had a leading role in GSC’s production of the opera ‘Trial by Jury’ by Gilbert & Sullivan, and is a GSC Choral Scholar at Glenville Presbyterian Church.

“Seth has grown tremendously as a musician since I met him in his junior year of high school at East Fairmont High School. He has always been eager and a great example of a student who immerses themselves into their field,“ said GSC Assistant Professor of Music Teresa Dody.

Stemple is also working with the GSC Fine Arts Department faculty to prepare for grad school auditions as he plans to pursue a career in voice and opera. He is the son of Steve and Sharlene Stemple of Fairmont.

Sutton: Elk River Music and Arts Festival - April 19-20, 2013 - This Friday and Saturday

Daily G-Eye™ : 04.11.13

GSC Percussion Ensemble Tickets Selling Out

The annual Glenville State College Percussion Ensemble concert is scheduled for Thursday, April 11, 2013 and Friday, April 12, 2013 at 7: 00 PM both evenings.

Tickets for the Friday show are already sold out, but seats remain open for the Thursday performance.

The ensemble is composed of a wide variety of percussion instruments. The band members have to be proficient in playing a wide array of these instruments in order to perform the elaborate routines performed during the show.

The percussion ensemble members have been practicing twice a week for the past two months. They have met for four hours every Thursday evening, and seven hours each Sunday. As the event grows closer, the band will add a third weekly practice, and eventually a fourth until they begin daily practice for the first two weeks of the month of April.

“The excitement and loyalty of our audience keeps us motivated to maintain this schedule, “ said GSC Associate Professor of Music John McKinney. “ This will be the 33rd year of the Percussion Ensemble and we look forward to sharing great music and entertainment with all in attendance.”  McKinney elaborated on the band members. “The group is a mixture of current GSC students and GSC alumni.  It makes for a great educational mix of students studying to make a living in music and those who are doing so now.  The sharing of musical experiences is excellent. “

There will also be daytime concerts on Tuesday, April 09 and Wednesday, April 10, 2013 for West Virginia public school students.

For more information, to reserve seats for Thursday, April 11th, or to be added to the Friday, April 12th waiting list, contact Sheri Skidmore in the GSC Fine Arts Department at “Sheri.Skidmore@glenville.edu” or 304.462.4130.

Sutton: Elk River Music and Arts Festival - April 19-20, 2013

Animusic HD - Resonant Chamber

“Murder Among the Meringues” Serves Up Dinner, A Slice of Pie for A Mystery at North Bend State

Gigi Sharp and The Meringues newest song, “Sweet Sugar,” is a hit single, topping the charts. And, Gigi has just learned that she has been nominated for a Grammy award for the song. Gigi is currently touring the nation, promoting a new album. Gigi is a fabulous singer. The Meringues are her back-up singers and any one of them would like to see her deflate and go away.

Gigi Sharp and her backup singers are characters in Karen Vuranch’s newest murder mystery production, “Murder Among the Meringues.”

The murder mystery dinner theater is scheduled for two evenings at North Bend State Park Lodge, performed by the In Cahoot Players, April 05 and 06, 2013.

“Friday’s show begins at 8:00 PM with dinner at 7:00 PM. The Saturday show is an hour earlier with the show beginning at 7:00 PM and dinner at 6:00 PM.” said Ken Zebo, event coordinator.

A killer lurks as the play unfolds and someone will be “done” before the night is over. As the evening progresses, the murderer must be found. Clues are given and the audience will have the chance to interrogate suspects and solve the dastardly deed. Dinner and performance cost is $50 per person. An overnight package for two is $179 includes room reservations at North Bend Lodge, dinner and play, dessert bar and breakfast. Reservations are required in advance and available by calling 304.653.2931.

For more information about North Bend State Park visit www.northbendsp.com.

About the Mystery Players

In addition to Gigi Sharp, there are the Meringues as the backup singers. Rebel Cleft is a wild child who wants to break her contract and break out on her own. Bea Minor loves Gigi’s son, but Gigi is not about to let her precious son marry a back-up singer. Wanda Major loves being in The Meringues, but she longs to be the lead singer. And Ivory Tickler has been keeping a secret about who really wrote that Grammy nominated song. Two others to watch out for are: Gigi’s assistant, Emma Offskey, a rather glorified lackey who was married to Gigi’s no-account, gambling brother. And there is agent and manager, Brandy Jackson.  Cast members are Karen Vuranch and Jen Garvin from Fayetteville, WV; Andrea Fout-Tinsley of Scott Depot; Merry Hanning of Oak Hill; Julie Brown of Pax Branch; Debbie Cooper and Sandi Shrewsbury of Beckley.

“Murder Among the Meringues” Serves Up Dinner, A Slice of Pie for A Mystery at North Bend State

Gigi Sharp and The Meringues newest song, “Sweet Sugar,” is a hit single, topping the charts. And, Gigi has just learned that she has been nominated for a Grammy award for the song. Gigi is currently touring the nation, promoting a new album. Gigi is a fabulous singer. The Meringues are her back-up singers and any one of them would like to see her deflate and go away.

Gigi Sharp and her backup singers are characters in Karen Vuranch’s newest murder mystery production, “Murder Among the Meringues.”

The murder mystery dinner theater is scheduled for two evenings at North Bend State Park Lodge, performed by the In Cahoot Players, April 05 and 06, 2013.

“Friday’s show begins at 8:00 PM with dinner at 7:00 PM. The Saturday show is an hour earlier with the show beginning at 7:00 PM and dinner at 6:00 PM.” said Ken Zebo, event coordinator.

A killer lurks as the play unfolds and someone will be “done” before the night is over. As the evening progresses, the murderer must be found. Clues are given and the audience will have the chance to interrogate suspects and solve the dastardly deed. Dinner and performance cost is $50 per person. An overnight package for two is $179 includes room reservations at North Bend Lodge, dinner and play, dessert bar and breakfast. Reservations are required in advance and available by calling 304.653.2931.

For more information about North Bend State Park visit www.northbendsp.com.

About the Mystery Players

In addition to Gigi Sharp, there are the Meringues as the backup singers. Rebel Cleft is a wild child who wants to break her contract and break out on her own. Bea Minor loves Gigi’s son, but Gigi is not about to let her precious son marry a back-up singer. Wanda Major loves being in The Meringues, but she longs to be the lead singer. And Ivory Tickler has been keeping a secret about who really wrote that Grammy nominated song. Two others to watch out for are: Gigi’s assistant, Emma Offskey, a rather glorified lackey who was married to Gigi’s no-account, gambling brother. And there is agent and manager, Brandy Jackson.  Cast members are Karen Vuranch and Jen Garvin from Fayetteville, WV; Andrea Fout-Tinsley of Scott Depot; Merry Hanning of Oak Hill; Julie Brown of Pax Branch; Debbie Cooper and Sandi Shrewsbury of Beckley.

Sutton: Elk River Music and Arts Festival - April 19-20, 2013

Rockefeller Calls For Greater Protections For Children From Violent Media Content

During a roundtable discussion with concerned parents, teachers, mental health experts, national advocacy groups and representatives from the entertainment industry, Senator Jay Rockefeller today underscored his longstanding focus on the impact of violent video games and programming on children.

“Our children are constantly bombarded with violent images on television and in movies and video games,” Rockefeller said. “For busy parents, monitoring every minute of their kids’ lives simply isn’t possible – so we need to arm parents and other responsible adults with the best available information about violent media.  We also need more answers about what this exposure is doing to kids’ impressionable minds and emotions, and I pledge to do everything possible to get those answers.”

Rockefeller is keeping that promise through a comprehensive plan that includes legislation to examine more fully than ever before the impact of violence in the media and video games on children’s behavior and mental health. Rockefeller’s bill, The Violent Content Research Act of 2013, instructs the National Academy of Sciences to research the link between violent media and behavior and report on its findings.

Background:

Senator Rockefeller, Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, in January reintroduced The Violent Content Research Act of 2013. Under this bill:

•  The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) would conduct a comprehensive study and investigation of the connection between violent video games and violent video programming and harmful effects on children.

•  Specifically, NAS would examine whether violent video games and programming cause kids to act aggressively or have other harmful effects, and whether that effect is distinguishable from other types of media.  It also would look at the direct and long-lasting impact of violent content on a child’s well-being.

•  With respect to violent video games, NAS must look at whether current or emerging aspects of games, like their interactive nature and the personal and vivid way violence is portrayed, have a unique impact on kids.

NAS would be asked to recommend areas for future research and would be required to submit a report on its investigation within 15 months to Congress as well as to the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

GSC Alum Competing for $10,000 for His Classroom

GOOD and the University of Phoenix have named Glenville State College Graduate Everett Jeremy Rodriguez as one of twenty finalists in the running to win the Great American Teach-Off.

The program will award two deserving teachers, one from grades K-6 and one from grades 7-12, with $10,000 classroom grants.

Finalists are now competing for public votes to secure their places as one of
America’s most innovative teachers. Contestants will provide video responses to a series of questions highlighting their creativity and passion in the classroom as well as their positive impact on the greater education community.

Voting for ‘The Great American Teach-Off’ began on March 4th and the public can visit 7to12gato.maker.good.is/ to cast their votes for the finalists. Each week, the field will be narrowed by two finalists based on public votes. The two grant recipients will be named later this spring.

GOOD Worldwide LLC. (www.good.is), launched in September 2006, is an integrated media, thought leadership and community action platform for people who want to live well and do good, and a community of, by, and for the people, businesses, and NGOs moving the world forward. GOOD’s mission is to convene, connect, and empower the global community of people.

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning can help students pursue personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold.

Rodriguez graduated from Glenville State College in May 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education. He currently teaches music at Liberty High School in Raleigh County, West Virginia. His Liberty High School Marching Band holds band camp at GSC each summer. Rodriguez also brings many of his students to honor band, percussion ensemble, music fest, plays, and numerous other GSC campus events throughout the year. The Grand Prize is a $10,000 grant for my classroom. I plan to use the funds to purchase a piano lab similar to the one at Glenville State College.

“I am honored to be a Glenville State College trained educator. I credit my education in the Glenville State College Department of Fine Arts as the biggest reason I am able to be recognized as one of the most innovative teachers in the country. This is an opportunity to recognize the many teachers who inspired me in my career. They are the reason I am standing in a national spotlight today. My students and I thank everyone for their support,“ said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez shares music with his students in a way that imparts in them character, responsibility, purpose, and self-motivation. Because block scheduling has reduced the number of students who are able to choose to take band, Rodriguez has built a program for his students that results in life-long musicians and innovatively teaches the whole student. Rodriguez encourages and assists students through the pre-college testing and application process even personally paying for registration test fees and hosting afterschool study groups for them. The result of his efforts creates a college-going mentality in his program: currently 89.5% of his program graduates attend an institution of higher education. His students are now collaborating to produce music videos of their own original compositions.

“Jeremy Rodriguez is one of the most innovative and creative teachers that I know. We are extremely proud of his hard work and care for his students. He is a huge supporter of the GSC Department of Fine Arts and the college as a whole. He is truly a Pioneer through and through! We cannot thank him enough for all of his support,“ said Lloyd Bone, GSC Assistant Professor of Music and Department Chair.

With the grant money from The Great American Teach-Off, Rodriquez would invest in a computerized piano laboratory with Finale and recording software to supplement the students’ music education and give them a place where they can compose their own music digitally.

Visit 7to12gato.maker.good.is/ to cast a Vote for Jeremy Rodriguez for ‘The Great American Teach-Off.‘

GSC Concert Features Three Musical Groups in One Night – Tonight – 03.01.13

A concert featuring the Glenville State College Concert Choir, Brass Ensemble and Woodwind Ensemble is scheduled for March 01, 2013. The program will begin at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

GSC Assistant Professor of Music, Fine Arts Department Chair, and Brass Ensemble Director Lloyd Bone said, “The main point of this concert is that it will be highly diverse and one of the most diverse presentations on campus of the entire school year. This is a fun concert for the performers as a very wide variety of chamber music will be performed,”

“Usually in the woodwind ensemble, we play transcriptions of either classical music or classic band repertoire that our students may not otherwise play while here,” said GSC Assistant Professor of Music Education and Woodwind Ensemble Director Dr. David Lewis. “This year, we’re doing something a little different in that we’re playing classic rock – Beatles music from the Sgt. Pepper era. Most of the music comes from the recording sessions that ultimately yielded the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album. “

Organizers say the choir will be singing pieces mainly about on our Earth. “One piece, Geographical Fugue, is actually a spoken rhythmic piece rather than sung.  I have challenged the students to find beauty in the Earth around them.  They have been taking and sending in photos that will be projected during the concert.  It will be a beautiful concert,” said GSC Assistant Professor of Music and Vocal Director Teresa Dody.

Bone, Lewis, and Dody say all three groups will be performing new and exciting pieces. They believe this year’s concert promises to be a thrill for returning visitors as well as a great first experience for those interested in attending for the first time.

General admission is by donation, and GSC students will be admitted free with IDs. For more information, contact Sheri Skidmore in the GSC Fine Arts department at “Sheri.Skidmore@glenville.edu” or at 304.462.6340.

Glenville State College Bluegrass Band Performs Nationally and Close to Home

The Glenville State College Bluegrass Band has been on the road a lot in the past several months and plans to do the throughout this new year. Band members made appearances at numerous festivals and toured memorable locations that are all part of bluegrass history.

The band traveled to Nashville, Tennessee last summer and visited the famous Ryman Auditorium, former site of the Grand Ole Opry. While in Tennessee, GSC Bluegrass Band members stayed at the home of classic country music star Tom T. Hall and his wife Miss Dixie. They began work on recording their first CD in Hall’s studio with the assistance of GSC alumna Rebekha Long, who was the first graduate of the GSC Bluegrass Music Degree Program. The CD was released on October 23, 2012 at the annual GSC Bluegrass Concert during homecoming week and is now available for sale at the campus bookstore.

The bluegrass band members also performed at last year’s Memorial Day celebration in Burnsville, West Virginia (Braxton County) letting them give back to a local community.

Ryan Spangenberg, a GSC senior bluegrass music major from Madison, Ohio, toured with the band last year. “Touring with the bluegrass band has been a very good opportunity for me because it demonstrates real life scenarios like those facing a professional touring band. We learned how to properly organize every aspect of a tour including transportation and budgeting living expenses for a group of musicians. I must say, overall, touring with the GSC Bluegrass Band has been a very enlightening experience,” said Spangenberg.

GSC Bluegrass Degree Program Director Megan Darby attended the Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival in Bean Blossom, Indiana last summer and spoke to attendees about the GSC Bluegrass Program. In honor of the program she was given the Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Wall of Fame board by Gary Hibbs. The board, which is over eight feet long and double-sided, was auctioned off for nearly $500 and has been signed by bluegrass legends like Earl Scruggs, Jack Cook, and Jesse McReynolds. The board is now proudly displayed in the GSC Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

On another 2012 venture, the bluegrass band took a trip to ROMP: Bluegrass Roots and Branches Festival in Owensboro, Kentucky. That festival is hosted by the International Bluegrass Music Museum and features renowned performers such as Vince Gill and the Lonesome River Band. As a result, a partnership offering internship positions to bluegrass students at the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky is in the works and may begin as early as this summer.

Most recently, some of the band members played holiday tunes in the Grand Hall for guests staying at the Stonewall Resort (Lewis County, West Virginia). The band performed on February 7th at the Pioneer Grille restaurant in Glenville, West Virginia (Gilmer County) and will continue to perform on the first Thursday of every month through May.

“These performances in West Virginia and other states give the band members real life hands-on experience of what they are learning about in the classroom. The appearances also helped us spread the word about the Glenville State College Bluegrass Band and that GSC is home to the world’s first bluegrass music degree program,“ said Megan Darby, GSC Bluegrass Degree Program Director. Darby continued, “Our band members are also planning a ‘Home Is Where the Heart Is’ tour, which involves a performance in the hometown of each band member. The students will be responsible for planning, setting up, arranging, and advertising the events in their hometowns. We hope to have the shows’ schedule prepared by early summer.”

For more information on upcoming performances or about GSC’s Bluegrass Music Degree Program, contact Darby at “Megan.Darby@glenville.edu” or by phone at 304.462.6347.

GSC Music Department Receives New Guitars

Thanks to a grant from the Fender Music Foundation, the Glenville State College Department of Fine Arts now has more instruments to enhance musical enrichment for students, faculty, staff, and members of the community.

GSC Director of Bluegrass Music Megan Darby (GSC ‘11) has been awarded a grant from the Fender Music Foundation that has provided nine new Fender acoustic guitars to the GSC Music Department.

Darby wrote the grant as a project for a grant writing class she is taking at Marshall University where she is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Instructional Technology. Her goal was to find a grant that she could write that would have a positive impact on the GSC Bluegrass program. The grant from the Fender Music Foundation was a perfect match and has provided well over $3,000 worth of guitars to GSC.

“With tight budgets across the board-the special grant from the Fender Guitar Company has guaranteed to give excellent quality and support to the students at Glenville State College. In addition, it offers staff and faculty the opportunity to teach not only our music students but others outside of the college too. It’s exciting and motivating that such a well-respected guitar company is supporting our unique bluegrass degree, college as a whole, and the community around us,“ said Darby.

The Fender Music Foundation, founded in 2005, is a music charity funded by people who want to change the state of music education, believe music is an integral part of society, and want to make music more accessible to everyone. Grants are awarded to programs that are in need of funds, ongoing, sustainable, and give more people the opportunity to make music.

The grant has provided GSC with: six full-bodied guitars with strings, stands, tuners, picks, and cases as well as one twelve-string guitar, one dobro, and one left-handed acoustic guitar.

The instruments will be used by GSC students within the music department and for guitar lessons for the general student population, and members of the community.

“We are very appreciative of the hard work and efforts of Megan Darby to seek out this grant and to have it awarded to our department. These instruments will be a major resource for our bluegrass musicians and for our methods classes. These instruments will help in the process of some much needed curriculum changes and education improvements at GSC,“ said GSC Assistant Professor of Music and Fine Arts Department Chair Lloyd Bone.

Darby’s grant from the Fender Music Foundation has the potential to be renewed for the 2013-2014 academic year which would provide other stringed instruments to GSC.

To learn more about the GSC Bluegrass Program or Music Department, visit www.glenville.edu or call 304.462.6340.

Happy Xmas: Ten Great Christmas Albums

What a year it’s been. We’ve had kids getting micro-chipped in the public schools. Congress, the courts and the White House working in cahoots to erode our privacy rights. The Transportation Security Administration fumbling its way through national security. Hurricane Sandy ravaging the Eastern shore. The police state merging with the surveillance state to keep us tagged, tracked and under control. The military industrial complex lobbying to keep the nation at war and defense contractors in the money. Individuals getting fined and arrested for violating any number of vague and overreaching laws. Homes getting raided and innocent Americans killed by rampaging SWAT teams armed to the hilt.

After endless months of being mired in gloom and doom, we now find ourselves just a few weeks away from Christmas, struggling to latch onto that spirit of joy, excitement, innocence, magic and hope we had as children. Even if one is successful in momentarily blocking out the political gloom and doom, it still takes a monumental effort to get past the Grinches and Scrooges who can you make you feel like yours is anything but a wonderful life. And then there’s Christmas itself, which has become embattled in recent years, co-opted by rampant commercialism, straight-jacketed by political correctness, and denuded of so much of its loveliness, holiness and mystery.

Despite all of this humbuggery, however, there are still a few steps you can take to reclaim the magic of Christmas and enjoy the season. For a start, do something nice for someone else—whether it’s a family member, a neighbor or a stranger on the street. Turn off the news and turn on a Christmas movie, one of the oldies but goodies—something full of good will, sweetness and heart. And then, to top it all off, add some Christmas tunes to the mix, whatever fits the bill for you—be it traditional carols, rollicking oldies, or some rocking new tunes. What I love about Christmas music is how the sacred and irreverent meld into an atmosphere of joy and wonder. Listen to them over dinner, in the car, on your iPod. Hum them under your breath as you do your shopping. Belt them out in the shower or while gathered together in a group setting. Before you know it, you’ll start feeling like it’s Christmastime again.

Out of the hundreds of Christmas albums I’ve listened to over the years, the following are ten of my favorites, covering a broad range of musical styles, moods and tastes, but each in its own way perfectly capturing the essence of Christmas.

It’s Christmas (EMI, 1989):

18 great songs, ranging from John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” to Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas.” The real treats on this album are Greg Lake’s “I Believe in Father Christmas,” Kate Bush’s “December Will Be Magic Again” and Aled Jones’ “Walking in the Air.”

Christmas Guitar (Rounder, 1986):

28 beautifully done traditional Christmas songs by master guitarist John Fahey. Hearing Fahey’s guitar strings plucking out “Joy to the World,” “Good King Wenceslas,” “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas,” among others, is a sublime experience.

Christmas Is A Special Day (The Right Stuff, 1993):

12 fine songs by Fats Domino, the great Fifties rocker, ranging from “Amazing Grace” to “Jingle Bells.” The title song, written by Domino himself, is a real treat. No one has ever played the piano keys like Fats.

Christmas Island (August/Private Music, 1989):

“Frosty the Snowman” will never sound the same after you hear Leon Redbone and Dr. John do their duet. Neither will “Christmas Island” or “Toyland” on this collection of 11 traditional and rather offbeat songs.

A Holiday Celebration (Gold Castle, 1988):

The classic folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary, backed by the New York Choral Society, sing traditional and nontraditional holiday fare on 12 beautifully orchestrated songs. Included are “I Wonder as I Wander,” “Children Go Where I Send Thee,” and “The Cherry Tree Carol.” Also thrown in is Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind.”

The Christmas Album (Columbia, 1992):

Neil Diamond sings 14 songs, ranging from “Silent Night” to “Jingle Bell Rock” to “The Christmas Song” to “Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Diamond also gives us a great rendition of Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” A delightful album.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (Fantasy, 1988):

12 traditional Christmas songs by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. The pianist extraordinaire and his trio perform “O Tannenbaum,” “The Christmas Song” and “Greensleeves.” Also included is the Charlie Brown Christmas theme.

The Jethro Tull Christmas Album (Fuel Records, 2003):

If you like deep-rooted traditional holiday songs, you’ll love this album. The 16 songs range from “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” to Ian Anderson originals such as “Another Christmas Song” and “Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow.” With Anderson on flute and vocals, this album has an old world flavor that will have you wanting mince pie and plum pudding.

A Twisted Christmas (Razor Tie, 2006):

Twisted Sister, the heavy metal group, knocks the socks off a bevy of traditional and pop Christmas songs. Dee Snider’s amazing vocals brings to life “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “Deck the Halls,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” among others—including “Heavy Metal Christmas (The Twelve Days of Christmas).” Great fun and a great band.

Songs for Christmas (Asthmatic Kitty, 2006):

In December 2001, independent singer/songwriter Sufjan Stevens set out to create a Christmas gift through songs for his friends and family. It eventually grew to a 5-CD box set, which includes Stevens’ original take on such standards as “Amazing Grace” and “We Three Kings” and some inventive yuletide creations of his own. A lot of fun.

One more thing. We must never forget that the Christmas holiday is named after the Prince of Peace. So in the midst of the giving and the getting and the making merry, let’s not forget to do our part to make this world a better place for everyone. As John Lennon sings in “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”:

Merry Christmas, and in the words of Tiny Tim, “God bless us everyone.”

~~  John W. Whitehead ~~

GSC Bluegrass Band CDs Make Great Stocking Stuffers

The debut CD recorded by the Glenville State College Bluegrass Band is now on sale and would make a nice Christmas gift for any bluegrass fan on your gift list.

Current and former members of the GSC Bluegrass Band and special guests, Jesse McReynolds, Ronnie Reno, Melvin Goins, Luke McKnight, Ben Spears, and Little Roy Lewis, recorded the CD at the studios of Blue Circle Records in Franklin, Tennessee, owned by the legendary song writer and singer Tom. T. Hall and his wife Dixie.

The album features 18 cuts including two original Tom T. and Dixie Hall songs as well as traditional bluegrass from Flatt and Scruggs, the Carter Family, Jimmy Martin, and others.

The CD is on sale for $15 at the GSC Bookstore or at the GSC Fine Arts Building from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Orders may also be made by phone and mailed to you by calling 304.462.6340. Proceeds from CD sales benefit the GSC Bluegrass Program.

For more information about the CD or the GSC Bluegrass Program, which offers the world’s first four year bluegrass music degree, contact the program’s director at “Megan.Darby@glenville.edu” or call 304.462.6347.

‘Country Roads’ Gets Push for WV State Song

Dreama Denver is making a push to have “Take Me Home, Country Roads“ designated as one of West Virginia’s official state songs.

The widow of actor Bob Denver says the song is sung at many important state events.

At her request, Raleigh County Delegate Marty Gearhart plans to introduce a resolution during the 2013 regular session that would designate the song as one of the state’s official songs.

Dreama Denver tells the Charleston Gazette that she hopes West Virginians will contact their legislators and urge them to approve the resolution.

West Virginia has three official state songs: “West Virginia Hills,“ ‘’This Is My West Virginia“ and “West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home.“

GSC Annual Jazz Band Concert - November 14, 2012 - This Evening

The annual Glenville State College Jazz Band Concert is scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

The set will feature familiar classics by the Average White Band, Count Basie Band, Glen Miller Orchestra, and many more.

“This is a very varied program with a little something for everybody! The concert will feature several student soloists; please join us,” said GSC Jazz Band Director Dr. David Lewis.

The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact the Fine Arts Department at 304.462.6340.

GSC Band Salutes Goff “Gink” Summers on Birthday

Last Wednesday evening, November 07, 2012, residents of Brooklyn Addition in Glenville, WV were treated to an unusual occurrence.

At about 7:15 PM, the sound of drums and a marching band could be heard in the neighborhood.

For some, the sight and sound of a marching band proceeding down Park Street to Hunter Street brought back memories of bygone years when the GSC band used to march to Rohrbough Field from the campus to perform at GSC football games.

But it was a special performance for one of the neighborhood’s oldest citizens, “Gink” Summers, a retired pharmacist known by most in the community.

Summers’s next door neighbor happens to be Lloyd Bone, the director of the GSC Marching Band.

Those who know Mr. Summers, know he is in declining health and is not able to get out and about. So Bone coordinated a surprise with Summers’ wife Gloria for the band to come and perform for Summers on his 88th Birthday.

To the delight of all, the band performed several songs for Summers as he sat on his porch for a time on his special day.

They also sang “Happy Birthday” for Summers, with several neighbors joining in.

For all, it was a memorable experience indicative of what is good about life in small town America.

GSC Classical Piano Recital - November 12, 2012 - This Evening

Anita White, Glenville State College Adjunct Instructor of Piano and Department Accompanist, will be playing in a piano recital of classical hymns on Monday, November 12, 2012.

The annual event will begin at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

The event is free to the public.

“I have a passion for hymns in the style of the masters such as Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin. I have been blessed with a talent that I wish to pass on to others. Please join me for a wonderful hour of classical music,“ said White.

White earned her B.A. degree from the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music. She has many years of experience as a piano recitalist, organ recitalist, and a teacher of music theory, voice, piano, organ, and related subjects.

White has taught, directed, and been accompanist at numerous churches and public schools. The Gassaway, West Virginia (Braxton County) native has also been involved in the planning and performing of many community and church cantatas and oratorios.

For more information about the event, contact the GSC Department of Fine Arts at 304.462.6340.

GSC Annual Jazz Band Concert - Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The annual Glenville State College Jazz Band Concert is scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

The set will feature familiar classics by the Average White Band, Count Basie Band, Glen Miller Orchestra, and many more.

“This is a very varied program with a little something for everybody! The concert will feature several student soloists; please join us,” said GSC Jazz Band Director Dr. David Lewis.

The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact the Fine Arts Department at 304.462.6340.

Gilmer County Recreation Center/GSC Bluegrass Band - 11.10.12 - This Saturday

If you missed the concert for the GSC Bluegrass Band, we have you covered.

The Bluegrass Band will be performing again on November 10, 2012 at the Gilmer County Recreation Center.

Doors will open at 5:00 PM and the band will be play from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

It is a great way to spend a Saturday night.

Admission for the concert is $5.00 per person, $8.00 for two tickets, and free for children under five.

This is going to be a fantastic night.

Outside under a tent you will be able to purchase, hot off the grill, Italian pepper/onion sausage sandwiches, chips, and a drink before and during the concert.

The first 25 people through the door will receive a small gift from the Recreation Center.

Come out and enjoy an evening of music, and some great food.

It is quickly becoming an evening you won’t want to miss.

Lisa Smarr – Director 304.266.0020

GSC Classical Piano Recital - November 12, 2012

Anita White, Glenville State College Adjunct Instructor of Piano and Department Accompanist, will be playing in a piano recital of classical hymns on Monday, November 12, 2012.

The annual event will begin at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

The event is free to the public.

“I have a passion for hymns in the style of the masters such as Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin. I have been blessed with a talent that I wish to pass on to others. Please join me for a wonderful hour of classical music,“ said White.

White earned her B.A. degree from the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music. She has many years of experience as a piano recitalist, organ recitalist, and a teacher of music theory, voice, piano, organ, and related subjects.

White has taught, directed, and been accompanist at numerous churches and public schools. The Gassaway, West Virginia (Braxton County) native has also been involved in the planning and performing of many community and church cantatas and oratorios.

For more information about the event, contact the GSC Department of Fine Arts at 304.462.6340.

GSC Annual Jazz Band Concert - November 14, 2012

The annual Glenville State College Jazz Band Concert is scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

The set will feature familiar classics by the Average White Band, Count Basie Band, Glen Miller Orchestra, and many more.

“This is a very varied program with a little something for everybody! The concert will feature several student soloists; please join us,” said GSC Jazz Band Director Dr. David Lewis.

The concert is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact the Fine Arts Department at 304.462.6340.

Gilmer County Recreation Center: Bluegrass Sing - 11.10.12 - Saturday

The GSC Bluegrass Band will be performing at the Gilmer County Recreation Center on Saturday November 10, 2012.

Doors will open at 5:00 PM.

The band will play from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.

Food will be prepared on the grill and be available for purchase.

There will also be drawings for door prizes.

Come on out and enjoy the evening with us.

All proceeds will go to the Gilmer County Recreation Center for general cost, repairs, and maintenance.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Any questions regarding the event can be made to Lisa K Smarr by calling 304.266.0020.

Gilmer County Recreation Center/GSC Bluegrass Band - Saturday, 11.10.12

If you missed the concert for the GSC Bluegrass Band, we have you covered.

The Bluegrass Band will be performing again on November 10, 2012 at the Gilmer County Recreation Center.

Doors will open at 5:00 PM and the band will be play from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

It is a great way to spend a Saturday night.

Admission for the concert is $5.00 per person, $8.00 for two tickets, and free for children under five.

This is going to be a fantastic night.

Outside under a tent you will be able to purchase, hot off the grill, Italian pepper/onion sausage sandwiches, chips, and a drink before and during the concert.

The first 25 people through the door will receive a small gift from the Recreation Center.

Come out and enjoy an evening of music, and some great food.

It is quickly becoming an evening you won’t want to miss.

Lisa Smarr – Director 304.266.0020

GSC Hosting West Virginia Marching Band Invitational - 11.03.12 - This Saturday

Glenville State College’s Ike & Sue Morris Stadium will be filled with the sound of music on Saturday, November 03, 2012.

That will be the site of the inaugural West Virginia Marching Band Invitational (WVMBI) sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History (WVDCH) and Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Glenville State College for this statewide marching band invitational. The response from high schools around the state has been phenomenal, and we know that this program can continue to grow,“ said the Commissioner.

Twenty-seven high school marching bands with approximately fifteen-hundred musicians, color guards, twirlers, majorettes and drum majors from across the state will be performing at the first WVMBI.

Competing bands will be organized into four classes (A-4A). These classes will be grouped into two divisions (A and 2A in Division II and 3A and 4A in Division I). Bands will be organized into classes based on school size, not band size.

Awards will be given to schools for performance within their respective classes, divisions, and overall. Both divisions will have a Division Grand Champion who will be eligible for Overall Grand Champion.

The Overall Grand Champion and First and Second Runners-Up will receive cash prizes. This is one of the largest invitational in the state and the only statewide invitational.

The bands competing in Division I are:

•  Brooke
•  Cabell Midland
•  Capital, Elkins
•  Greenbrier East
•  Hampshire County
•  Parkersburg
•  Princeton
•  St. Albans

Division II bands include:

•  Bluefield
•  Gilmer County
•  Harman
•  Liberty-Harrison
•  Magnolia
•  Nicholas County
•  Phillip Barbour
•  Poca
•  Ravenswood
•  Richwood
•  Ritchie County
•  Roane County
•  Scott
•  Sherman
•  Sissonville
•  Tygarts Valley
•  Valley-Wetzel
•  Wahama

The GSC Marching Band will be an integral part of the festival.

The GSC Drum Line and the entire GSC Marching Band will be performing at 2:45 PM.

Members of the band will serve as hosts for each of the high school bands, allowing the college students to talk with the high school students about college, music education, and their experiences at GSC.

The Glenville State students will, where possible, be paired with their high school alma maters.

“The GSC Department of Fine Arts is very appreciative of Commissioner Smith’s dedication to this great event and for the opportunity to host. This is a wonderful opportunity for the music students of West Virginia. It is also a fantastic learning opportunity for the GSC Music Majors as they will be with the bands all day and will ‘wear many hats’ the day of the event to help make sure it flows and is a success” stated Lloyd Bone, GSC Assistant Professor of Music, Marching Band Director, and Fine Arts Department Chair.

The WVMBI is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM and last until approximately 7:30 PM.

At 6:30 PM there will be an all bands finale.

The awards presentation will begin at 6:45 PM with West Virginia First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin presenting the awards to the winning bands and individuals.

The WVMBI will also help promote the division’s educational ‘VH1 Save the Music Foundation’ program which provides free music instruments to middle schools throughout West Virginia.

“One of the most important missions we have at the Division of Culture and History is to encourage our young West Virginians to appreciate and participate in the arts. We want them to know the personal satisfaction they can find in discovering their own creative spirits and to become lifelong supporters of the arts.

I believe that it is vital for us to encourage young students to find an art form that they enjoy. Studies show that students with arts background are more confident and have more self-discipline. These traits, which help improve their overall scores and commitment to education, are invaluable tools for their future success. More than that, a love of art – whether it is performance or visual art – enhances a person’s appreciation of their environment and the world,“ said Reid-Smith.

Admission for the event is $6.00 for ages 12 and up and $3.00 for children 11 and younger.

The official West Virginia Marching Band Invitational program, featuring photos of all high school bands and the GSC Band, will available for be $4.00.

For more information about the 2012 West Virginia Marching Band Invitational including the performance schedule visit www.wvculture.org/agency/wvmbi/2012wvmbi.html or call Bone at 304.462.6341.

Gilmer County Recreation Center: Bluegrass Sing - 11.10.12

The GSC Bluegrass Band will be performing at the Gilmer County Recreation Center on Saturday November 10, 2012.

Doors will open at 5:00 PM.

The band will play from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.

Food will be prepared on the grill and be available for purchase.

There will also be drawings for door prizes.

Come on out and enjoy the evening with us.

All proceeds will go to the Gilmer County Recreation Center for general cost, repairs, and maintenance.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Any questions regarding the event can be made to Lisa K Smarr by calling 304.266.0020.

GSC Hosting West Virginia Marching Band Invitational - 11.03.12

Glenville State College’s Ike & Sue Morris Stadium will be filled with the sound of music on Saturday, November 03, 2012.

That will be the site of the inaugural West Virginia Marching Band Invitational (WVMBI) sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History (WVDCH) and Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Glenville State College for this statewide marching band invitational. The response from high schools around the state has been phenomenal, and we know that this program can continue to grow,“ said the Commissioner.

Twenty-seven high school marching bands with approximately fifteen-hundred musicians, color guards, twirlers, majorettes and drum majors from across the state will be performing at the first WVMBI.

Competing bands will be organized into four classes (A-4A). These classes will be grouped into two divisions (A and 2A in Division II and 3A and 4A in Division I). Bands will be organized into classes based on school size, not band size.

Awards will be given to schools for performance within their respective classes, divisions, and overall. Both divisions will have a Division Grand Champion who will be eligible for Overall Grand Champion.

The Overall Grand Champion and First and Second Runners-Up will receive cash prizes. This is one of the largest invitational in the state and the only statewide invitational.

The bands competing in Division I are:

•  Brooke
•  Cabell Midland
•  Capital, Elkins
•  Greenbrier East
•  Hampshire County
•  Parkersburg
•  Princeton
•  St. Albans

Division II bands include:

•  Bluefield
•  Gilmer County
•  Harman
•  Liberty-Harrison
•  Magnolia
•  Nicholas County
•  Phillip Barbour
•  Poca
•  Ravenswood
•  Richwood
•  Ritchie County
•  Roane County
•  Scott
•  Sherman
•  Sissonville
•  Tygarts Valley
•  Valley-Wetzel
•  Wahama

The GSC Marching Band will be an integral part of the festival.

The GSC Drum Line and the entire GSC Marching Band will be performing at 2:45 PM.

Members of the band will serve as hosts for each of the high school bands, allowing the college students to talk with the high school students about college, music education, and their experiences at GSC.

The Glenville State students will, where possible, be paired with their high school alma maters.

“The GSC Department of Fine Arts is very appreciative of Commissioner Smith’s dedication to this great event and for the opportunity to host. This is a wonderful opportunity for the music students of West Virginia. It is also a fantastic learning opportunity for the GSC Music Majors as they will be with the bands all day and will ‘wear many hats’ the day of the event to help make sure it flows and is a success” stated Lloyd Bone, GSC Assistant Professor of Music, Marching Band Director, and Fine Arts Department Chair.

The WVMBI is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM and last until approximately 7:30 PM.

At 6:30 PM there will be an all bands finale.

The awards presentation will begin at 6:45 PM with West Virginia First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin presenting the awards to the winning bands and individuals.

The WVMBI will also help promote the division’s educational ‘VH1 Save the Music Foundation’ program which provides free music instruments to middle schools throughout West Virginia.

“One of the most important missions we have at the Division of Culture and History is to encourage our young West Virginians to appreciate and participate in the arts. We want them to know the personal satisfaction they can find in discovering their own creative spirits and to become lifelong supporters of the arts.

I believe that it is vital for us to encourage young students to find an art form that they enjoy. Studies show that students with arts background are more confident and have more self-discipline. These traits, which help improve their overall scores and commitment to education, are invaluable tools for their future success. More than that, a love of art – whether it is performance or visual art – enhances a person’s appreciation of their environment and the world,“ said Reid-Smith.

Admission for the event is $6.00 for ages 12 and up and $3.00 for children 11 and younger.

The official West Virginia Marching Band Invitational program, featuring photos of all high school bands and the GSC Band, will available for be $4.00.

For more information about the 2012 West Virginia Marching Band Invitational including the performance schedule visit www.wvculture.org/agency/wvmbi/2012wvmbi.html or call Bone at 304.462.6341.

Gilmer County Recreation Center/GSC Bluegrass Band - 11.10.12

If you missed the concert for the GSC Bluegrass Band, we have you covered.

The Bluegrass Band will be performing again on November 10, 2012 at the Gilmer County Recreation Center.

Doors will open at 5:00 PM and the band will be play from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

It is a great way to spend a Saturday night.

Admission for the concert is $5.00 per person, $8.00 for two tickets, and free for children under five.

This is going to be a fantastic night.

Outside under a tent you will be able to purchase, hot off the grill, Italian pepper/onion sausage sandwiches, chips, and a drink before and during the concert.

The first 25 people through the door will receive a small gift from the Recreation Center.

Come out and enjoy an evening of music, and some great food.

It is quickly becoming an evening you won’t want to miss.

Lisa Smarr – Director 304.266.0020

October Square Dance in Glenville - 10.26.12 - This Evening

There is a square dance Friday, October 26, 2012 at the Gilmer County Recreation Center.

The Glenville State College Bluegrass Band will be playing toe tapping dance tunes and one of West Virginia State Folk Festival’s favorite dance callers; Mack Samples will be calling four couple set square dances.

Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Dancing will kick off at 7:00 PM.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students.

The Gilmer County Extension Service will be providing refreshments.

These dances are beginner friendly. Caller Mack Samples stated, “These old dances are simple, you can learn them in no time. Everybody knows them.

That’s what you do.“ If you used to square dance but haven’t in a long time Mack Samples assures everyone that these “square figures haven’t changed much.”

The Glenville State College Bluegrass Band is believed to be Glenville’s “best kept secret.” They enjoy playing locally and can be found at the Pioneer Grille regularly. The Glenville State College Bluegrass Program is the world’s first four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in bluegrass music.

On Friday October 26th their music is bound to have everyone up and square dancing in no time.

Glenville square dances are part of “The Mountain Dance Trail Project” a new cultural tourism initiative of Augusta Heritage Center of Davis and Elkins College.

The Mountain Dance Trail promotes and connects old-time square dance communities throughout the state. People can participate in or just witness an authentic West Virginia tradition: mountain-style square dancing to live string band music.

A full schedule of square dances throughout the state is available in the Mountain Dance Trail brochure and online at www.mountaindancetrail.org or by calling 304.637.1349.

Mark your calendar for a square dance on Friday November 16, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the Sutton Community Building.

This square dance is hosted in part by the Gilmer County Economic Development Association and West Virginia Division of Culture and History.

October Square Dance in Glenville - Friday, October 26, 2012

There is a square dance Friday, October 26, 2012 at the Gilmer County Recreation Center.

The Glenville State College Bluegrass Band will be playing toe tapping dance tunes and one of West Virginia State Folk Festival’s favorite dance callers; Mack Samples will be calling four couple set square dances.

Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Dancing will kick off at 7:00 PM.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students.

The Gilmer County Extension Service will be providing refreshments.

These dances are beginner friendly. Caller Mack Samples stated, “These old dances are simple, you can learn them in no time. Everybody knows them.

That’s what you do.“ If you used to square dance but haven’t in a long time Mack Samples assures everyone that these “square figures haven’t changed much.”

The Glenville State College Bluegrass Band is believed to be Glenville’s “best kept secret.” They enjoy playing locally and can be found at the Pioneer Grille regularly. The Glenville State College Bluegrass Program is the world’s first four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in bluegrass music.

On Friday October 26th their music is bound to have everyone up and square dancing in no time.

Glenville square dances are part of “The Mountain Dance Trail Project” a new cultural tourism initiative of Augusta Heritage Center of Davis and Elkins College.

The Mountain Dance Trail promotes and connects old-time square dance communities throughout the state. People can participate in or just witness an authentic West Virginia tradition: mountain-style square dancing to live string band music.

A full schedule of square dances throughout the state is available in the Mountain Dance Trail brochure and online at www.mountaindancetrail.org or by calling 304.637.1349.

Mark your calendar for a square dance on Friday November 16, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the Sutton Community Building.

This square dance is hosted in part by the Gilmer County Economic Development Association and West Virginia Division of Culture and History.

GSC Bluegrass Band to Release CD at Homecoming Concert - This Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The 11th annual Glenville State College Bluegrass Band Concert is being held Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

This event is one of many scheduled during the 2012 GSC Homecoming week.

“I invite all to our annual concert, which is also serving as our debut CD release party! I could not be more proud of the band members and thankful for everyone who made this project perfect. Come out and be the first to purchase the GSC Bluegrass Band’s first recording,“ said GSC Bluegrass Music Degree Program Director Megan Darby.

Admission for the concert is $5.00 per person, $8.00 for two tickets, and free for children under five as well as GSC students with their student IDs.

To learn more about the GSC Bluegrass Band and the GSC Bluegrass Music Degree Program, contact Darby at “Megan.Darby@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6347.

For more information about the concert or for tickets, contact GSC Fine Arts Department Assistant Sheri Skidmore at “Sheri.Skidmore@glenville.edu” or 304.462.4130.

GSC Announces 2012 Homecoming Schedule

Glenville State College faculty, staff, students, alums, and friends will be celebrating the 2012 GSC Homecoming the week of October 22, 2012.

The GSC Student Government Association and Homecoming Committee have planned a week full of activities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Proud to be an American, Proud to be a Pioneer’.

“Ever since our first homecoming in 1931, homecoming weekend at GSC has been a long tradition of welcoming back alumni to the school. This is a wonderful opportunity for alums to return to campus, visit with their former classmates, reminisce about their time at Glenville State College, participate in sports and culture events, enjoy the parade, and renew past friendships. We welcome our returning alumni from near and far and hope that many of them will come early on Friday evening to attend the PAC Fundraiser and bonfire as well as participate in all of Saturday’s activities. These events culminate with our homecoming game against the University of Charleston’s Golden Eagles at 1:30 PM,“ said Debbie Nagy, GSC Director of Alumni Affairs and Special Assistant to the President.

•  The GSC Homecoming Coronation will be held on Monday, October 22, 2012 at 5:00 PM in the GSC Amphitheatre.

In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the Presidents Auditorium in the Heflin Administration Building.

•  The 11th Annual Fall GSC Bluegrass Concert will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Auditorium.

GSC Bluegrass Band Alums Luke Shamblin and Derek Vaden will be returning to campus to join the concert.

Tickets are $5 each or $8 per couple.

GSC students and children under five are admitted free.

The GSC Bluegrass Band will also be selling copies of their recently recorded CD for $15 each.

All proceeds benefit the GSC Bluegrass Program.

•  Mentalist Keith Metheny will be performing on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Auditorium.

The performance is free and open to the public.

•  A special ‘Premium Night’ dinner will be served at Mollohan’s Restaurant on Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

•  The GSC Student Government Association’s Homecoming Dance will also take place on Thursday at 8:00 PM in the MCCC Ballroom.

Friday, October 26, 2012 will be a day full of homecoming activities.

•  A campus-wide picnic will take place from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the GSC Amphitheatre.

•  The Pioneer Athletic Club is sponsoring the ‘Grillin & Chillin’ steak grill fundraiser at the Jack Woodyard Room and pavilion at Morris Stadium from 4:30 – 7:00 PM.

The menu includes a ribeye steak (grill your own or let a coach grill it for you), scalloped potatoes, salad, beverage, and desert.

The cost is $25 for singles and $45 for couples.

•  The Lady Pioneer Volleyball team is sponsoring an Alumni Volleyball game at 7:00 PM at the Jesse R. Lilly Gymnasium.

•  The annual bonfire and spirit competition starts at 8:00 PM at Morris Stadium.

•  On Saturday, October 27, 2012, the GSC Fitness Center, GSC Science Fiction and Fantasy Guild student organization, and the GSC Women’s Basketball program are sponsoring the Zombie Survival Fun Run 5K.

The race begins at 9:00 AM in downtown Glenville.

Registration is $20.

You may still register on the day of the race beginning at 8:00 AM in the Glenville City Square Park.

All who pre-register will receive a free t-shirt and those wearing a costume will receive $5 off their registration fee.

To access a registration form or for more information, visit www.glenville.edu/homecoming or Shan Harkleroad at 304.462.6440.

•  The Homecoming Parade on Main Street in Glenville begins at 10:00 AM.

Julia Barr, retired GSC Campus Health Services Nurse, will serve as homecoming parade marshal.

•  Glenville State College President Peter Barr and his wife Betsy will host a free Tailgate Picnic from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM in the parking lot at Morris Stadium for all alumni, fans, and friends.

•  The homecoming football game will feature the GSC Pioneers and the University of Charleston Golden Eagles in a key WVIAC battle at 1:30 PM at Morris Stadium.

•  The 2012 GSC Homecoming Court will be presented during pre-game festivities.

•  The 2012 Clarissa Williams Award recipient Krystle Bailey and Frank Montrose Award winner Trae Sprague will also be honored at this time.

•  The First Annual Blue/White Baseball Scrimmage will take place at the Sue Morris Sports Complex.

The game will start at 5:00 PM and tailgating is encouraged.

This is a great opportunity for the students and fans to see all of the new players.

Nagy says the GSC Homecoming is a time for renewing college friendships, making new acquaintances, exchanging college memories and experiences, and enjoying good ole Pioneer Camaraderie.

For more information about GSC Homecoming activities, contact the GSC Student Government Association Office at 304.462.7361x6419 or the GSC Alumni Relations Office at 304.462.4122.

October Square Dance in Glenville - 10.26.12

There is a square dance Friday, October 26, 2012 at the Gilmer County Recreation Center.

The Glenville State College Bluegrass Band will be playing toe tapping dance tunes and one of West Virginia State Folk Festival’s favorite dance callers; Mack Samples will be calling four couple set square dances.

Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Dancing will kick off at 7:00 PM.

Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students.

The Gilmer County Extension Service will be providing refreshments.

These dances are beginner friendly. Caller Mack Samples stated, “These old dances are simple, you can learn them in no time. Everybody knows them.

That’s what you do.“ If you used to square dance but haven’t in a long time Mack Samples assures everyone that these “square figures haven’t changed much.”

The Glenville State College Bluegrass Band is believed to be Glenville’s “best kept secret.” They enjoy playing locally and can be found at the Pioneer Grille regularly. The Glenville State College Bluegrass Program is the world’s first four-year Bachelor of Arts degree in bluegrass music.

On Friday October 26th their music is bound to have everyone up and square dancing in no time.

Glenville square dances are part of “The Mountain Dance Trail Project” a new cultural tourism initiative of Augusta Heritage Center of Davis and Elkins College.

The Mountain Dance Trail promotes and connects old-time square dance communities throughout the state. People can participate in or just witness an authentic West Virginia tradition: mountain-style square dancing to live string band music.

A full schedule of square dances throughout the state is available in the Mountain Dance Trail brochure and online at www.mountaindancetrail.org or by calling 304.637.1349.

Mark your calendar for a square dance on Friday November 16, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the Sutton Community Building.

This square dance is hosted in part by the Gilmer County Economic Development Association and West Virginia Division of Culture and History.