Saturday, May 12, 2012

West Virginia Symphony Orchestra – 05.12.12

Montclaire String Quartet, WVSO in Flatwoods on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Days Hotel and Conference Center, Flatwoods, WV.

Tickets are free to the public.

Thursday, May 03, 2012

GSC Chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda Established

A chapter of the national music honor society Pi Kappa Lambda (PKL) has been established at Glenville State College. PKL is an exclusive organization that recognizes and encourages the highest level of musical achievement and academic scholarship.

Members of PKL are nominated and elected through a rigorous screening process.

“This society honors excellence in both school work and musical achievement. I want to see students step up to meet the challenge of being inducted into PKL. It is truly an honor,“ said GSC Assistant Professor of Music Teresa Dody, who is a member herself and has organized the founding of the GSC chapter of PKL.

Student eligibility is first determined by musical achievements, talent and zeal; then academic standing is taken into consideration.  Juniors must be in the top ten percent of their class, and seniors must be in the top twenty percent of their class. Alumni may also be selected for their achievements since leaving GSC.

The GSC Department of Fine Arts faculty members have all been inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda and serve as the founding members of the GSC chapter. They hope to add up to two students and/or alumni a year as the program progresses.

For more information on the GSC chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda, contact Dody at “Teresa.Dody@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6345.

GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble to Perform in Europe

The Glenville State College Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble has been invited to perform at the 2012 International Tuba and Euphonium Conference (ITEC) June 23-30, 2012, at the Brucknerhaus in Linz, Austria.

The group is one of about twenty collegiate ensembles from around the world that has been invited to this bi-annual conference which is the largest conference in the low brass discipline in the world.

“This is a major opportunity as this is a very prestigious invite and a wonderful performing and learning experience for our students. Our students and alumni have worked hard for over six years to get to this point. I am incredibly proud of them and for the opportunity to showcase Glenville State College on an international level,“ said Lloyd Bone Jr., GSC Assistant Professor of Music and Fine Arts Department Chair.

This will be the third consecutive ITEC performance by the GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble. The group was also invited to the 2008 ITEC in Cincinnati, Ohio and 2010 ITEC in Tucson, Arizona.

The Glenville State College Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble is comprised of undergraduate Music Education majors and undergraduate Bachelor of Music majors.

The ensemble has performed in a wide variety of brass chamber music concerts on the Glenville State College campus and around West Virginia.

In addition to their performances at the ITEC, the group also was invited to the 2007 United States Army Band Tuba and Euphonium Conference in Washington, D.C.  Bone is in his eighth year conducting the GSC ensemble.

Members of the GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble who will be heading to the 2012 ITEC in Linz, Austria are:

•  Alumni Ryan Deems of Clarksburg, Harrison County West Virginia

•  Alumni Stephanie Sumner of Glenville, Gilmer County West Virginia

•  Junior Jonathan Bailess of Edmond, Fayette County, West Virginia

•  Alumni Travis Truax of Saint Marys, Pleasants County West Virginia

•  Senior Chris Baber of Craigsville, Nicholas County West Virginia

•  Junior Leon Hart of Parkersburg, Wood County West Virginia

•  Sophomore Brittany Lott of Petersburg, Grant County West Virginia

•  Sophomore Seth Stemple of Fairmont, Marion County West Virginia

•  Sophomore Ethan Hacker of Exchange, Braxton County West Virginia

•  Freshman Josh White of Waverly, Wood County West Virginia

•  Freshman John Reid of Clear Creek, Raleigh County West Virginia

•  Junior Brittany McGuire of Beckley, Raleigh County West Virginia

•  Sophomore Ryan Spangenberg of Madison, Ohio

The GSC Fine Arts Department is undertaking a fundraising campaign to raise money to cover expenses for this wonderful opportunity for these GSC students. The department will be holding car washes, bake sales and concerts as part of their efforts. The GSC Fine Arts Department is asking for financial support from GSC alumni, students, faculty, staff, family, friends, and local residents. “The Glenville community has always been very gracious and helpful when we have had to fundraise for big trips and honors. Because of the massive distance of the trip, our need is great to cover all the expenses. Any help of any kind will be hugely appreciated,“ said Bone.

Those wishing to help defray the cost for the ensemble may send donations to Sheri Skidmore, GSC Department of Fine Arts, 200 High Street, Glenville, West Virginia 26351.

To make a donation for the trip or for more information, contact Bone at “Lloyd.Bone@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6341.

Wednesday, May 02, 2012

GSC Bluegrass Band to Record CD

The ever expanding list of accomplishments by the members of the Glenville State College Bluegrass Band will soon include their very own CD.

Around twenty current and former members of the band will travel to meet in Tennessee briefly after graduation to record their first CD at the studios of Blue Circle Records owned by the legendary song writer and singer Tom. T. Hall and his wife Dixie.

The group will stop in Auburn, Kentucky on Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19, 2012 to perform at a bluegrass festival.

They will arrive in Nashville on May 20, 2012 for a tour of Music City.

The band will spend the next three days recording at Blue Circle Records in Franklin, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville.

GSC freshman Laiken Boyd of Cameron (Marshall County), West Virginia came to Glenville State College because of the bluegrass music program.

She plays fiddle, guitar, bass, and sings for the GSC Bluegrass Band.

“I have really enjoyed my first year at GSC. I am looking forward to the new challenges and experiences that our recording sessions will present us,“ she said.

The Halls are providing studio time and engineering service at no cost to the GSC Bluegrass Band. GSC Alum Rebekha Long, the first graduate of the GSC Bluegrass Music Degree Program, works for Blue Circle Records as a studio engineer and graphic designer and will be working on the project. The band will have to pay to have the CDs produced and designed. The band has worked extremely hard this year to save money for this exciting project.

“Part of the history of our Bluegrass Program has been to perform and learn from some of the legendary people in the industry. This amazing opportunity to work with the Halls will add to the prestige of the GSC Bluegrass Program. It will also serve as a good transition for me taking over the program from the wonderful job that retiring Buddy Griffin has done,“ said Megan Darby, Director of the GSC Bluegrass Degree Program.

The CD will include two original Tom T. and Dixie Hall songs as well as traditional bluegrass from Lester Flatt, the late Earl Scruggs, the Carter Family, Jimmy Martin, and others.

CDs should be available for purchase at the annual GSC Bluegrass Band Concert on October 23, 2012.

This will be an expensive endeavor for the bluegrass band. Any donations from the GSC community for this project will be greatly appreciated.

Anyone who would like to make a monetary donation or provide food and snacks for the trip should contact Darby at “Megan.Darby@glenville.edu” or call 304.462.6347.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Swing Dance Being Held at Glenville State College

Members of the Glenville State College Jazz Ensemble will be hosting a Swing Dance on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Mollohan Campus Community Center Ballroom.

The ensemble will be performing a number of swing tunes ranging from old standards to newer material as well as a few ballads.

Several student soloists will be featured including a pair of vocalists.

There will also be a guest performance by the West Virginia University Graduate Jazz Sextet featuring GSC Assistant Band Director Jason Barr.

“All are invited to this night of big band swing entertainment, bring your dancing shoes if so inclined,“ said GSC Jazz Ensemble Director Dr. David Lewis.

For more information on the GSC Swing Dance, contact Lewis at “David.Lewis@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6343.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Appalachia Extravaganza Being Held at GSC – Saturday, 04.14.12

Music groups Gandydancer, Retro and Smiling, and John Lilly’s Hank Williams, Sr. Tribute Show will be performing at the first annual Appalachia Extravaganza at Glenville State College on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

“With this concert, we will be showing the transformation of Appalachian music. There will be old-time string band music, traditional bluegrass, and early country. Many different styles and instruments will be used to put on an amazing show filled with Appalachian culture,“ said GSC Resident Artist Buddy Griffin, who will be performing with Retro and Smiling and the John Lilly’s Hank Williams, Sr. Tribute Show.

Gandydancer is an old-time string band. The group is led by world-renown fiddler and banjoist Dave Bing and children’s author and an authority on Appalachian folklore Dr. Gerry Milnes.

Retro and Smiling is a bluegrass band frequently heard on the Sirius XM bluegrass channel and features many well-known Grand Ole Opry musicians along with GSC Alum Luke Shamblin. Graduating in 2010, Shamblin was a prominent member of the GSC Bluegrass Band.

“Being part of the GSC Bluegrass Band is what helped shape me into the musician I am today. The program taught us how to be professionals both on and off the stage. To be performing back in the GSC Fine Arts Auditorium is very exciting,“ said Shamblin..

The John Lilly’s Hank Williams Sr. Tribute Show is made up of West Virginia State Folklorist and Goldenseal magazine editor John Lilly along with many legendary Nashville musicians. Hall of Fame steel guitarist Kayton Roberts, who worked alongside Hank William, Sr. himself at the Grand Ole Opry for many years, is part of the band..

The Appalachia Extravaganza is one of many events being held during the Appalachia Trading Company, a two-day exposition and exploration of Appalachian culture.  Events include a black-iron cook off, square dance, photo exhibit, wine tasting, pie bake off, guest speakers, demonstrations, and performances..  All events are free to the public through a grant from the West Virginia Humanities Council.

“I am very excited to be hosting such prominent names in the music industry at the Appalachia Extravaganza. This event will be great for the whole family,“ said ATC Project Director Tashua Allman.

For a full schedule of ATC events, visit www.glenville.edu/community/atc.

To make reservations for the Appalachia Extravaganza or for more information about the Appalachia Trading Company, contact Allman at “Tashua.Allman@glenville.edu “or 304.462.6051.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble to Perform in Europe

The Glenville State College Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble has been invited to perform at the 2012 International Tuba and Euphonium Conference (ITEC) June 23-30, 2012, at the Brucknerhaus in Linz, Austria.

The group is one of about twenty collegiate ensembles from around the world that has been invited to this bi-annual conference which is the largest conference in the low brass discipline in the world.

“This is a major opportunity as this is a very prestigious invite and a wonderful performing and learning experience for our students. Our students and alumni have worked hard for over six years to get to this point. I am incredibly proud of them and for the opportunity to showcase Glenville State College on an international level,“ said Lloyd Bone Jr., GSC Assistant Professor of Music and Fine Arts Department Chair.

This will be the third consecutive ITEC performance by the GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble. The group was also invited to the 2008 ITEC in Cincinnati, Ohio and 2010 ITEC in Tucson, Arizona.

The Glenville State College Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble is comprised of undergraduate Music Education majors and undergraduate Bachelor of Music majors.

The ensemble has performed in a wide variety of brass chamber music concerts on the Glenville State College campus and around West Virginia.

In addition to their performances at the ITEC, the group also was invited to the 2007 United States Army Band Tuba and Euphonium Conference in Washington, D.C.  Bone is in his eighth year conducting the GSC ensemble.

Members of the GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble who will be heading to the 2012 ITEC in Linz, Austria are:

•  Alumni Ryan Deems of Clarksburg, Harrison County West Virginia

•  Alumni Stephanie Sumner of Glenville, Gilmer County West Virginia

•  Junior Jonathan Bailess of Edmond, Fayette County, West Virginia

•  Alumni Travis Truax of Saint Marys, Pleasants County West Virginia

•  Senior Chris Baber of Craigsville, Nicholas County West Virginia

•  Junior Leon Hart of Parkersburg, Wood County West Virginia

•  Sophomore Brittany Lott of Petersburg, Grant County West Virginia

•  Sophomore Seth Stemple of Fairmont, Marion County West Virginia

•  Sophomore Ethan Hacker of Exchange, Braxton County West Virginia

•  Freshman Josh White of Waverly, Wood County West Virginia

•  Freshman John Reid of Clear Creek, Raleigh County West Virginia

•  Junior Brittany McGuire of Beckley, Raleigh County West Virginia

•  Sophomore Ryan Spangenberg of Madison, Ohio

The GSC Fine Arts Department is undertaking a fundraising campaign to raise money to cover expenses for this wonderful opportunity for these GSC students. The department will be holding car washes, bake sales and concerts as part of their efforts. The GSC Fine Arts Department is asking for financial support from GSC alumni, students, faculty, staff, family, friends, and local residents. “The Glenville community has always been very gracious and helpful when we have had to fundraise for big trips and honors. Because of the massive distance of the trip, our need is great to cover all the expenses. Any help of any kind will be hugely appreciated,“ said Bone.

Those wishing to help defray the cost for the ensemble may send donations to Sheri Skidmore, GSC Department of Fine Arts, 200 High Street, Glenville, West Virginia 26351.

To make a donation for the trip or for more information, contact Bone at “Lloyd.Bone@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6341.

Monday, April 09, 2012

Courtney Clevenger: GSC Student in Senior Recital

Glenville State College Senior Music Education major Courtney Clevenger from Weston, West Virginia (Lewis County) will be performing in her Senior Trumpet Recital on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 3:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

She will be performing multiple solos, duets, and ensemble pieces that will include members from the GSC Brass Ensemble and GSC Trumpet Ensemble.

“I am excited to have the honor and privilege of representing the GSC Fine Arts Department in my senior recital. This is my opportunity to showcase the hard work and dedication of my professors as they have prepared me for my future career. I am very grateful to them,“ said Clevenger.

Clevenger, who is the daughter of James David and Terri Clevenger, has attended GSC on many GSC Fine Arts scholarships along with the Paige T. Armentrout Scholarship.

While at GSC, she has been part of many music ensembles including: Brass Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, Marching Band, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Percussion Ensemble.

During the 2010 and 2011 marching band seasons, she served as GSC Field Commander.

She has also been very active in MENC (Music Educators National Conference) and ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) holding several offices in both.

In the spring of 2011, Clevenger was selected as one of eight female scholarship candidates for the Women Band Directors International Organization.

She was recognized for this honor at the 2011 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois.

During the 2012 GSC Honor Band Concert, set for Friday, April 20, 2012, Clevenger will be the feature solo performance for all high school students participating in the performance.

Admission to Clevenger’s senior recital is free and a reception will be held following the event.

For more information, contact GSC Fine Arts Department Assistant Sheri Skidmore at “sheri.skidmore@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6340.

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

GSC Appalachia Trading Company Event - April 13-14, 2012

Monday, April 02, 2012

Appalachia Extravaganza Being Held at GSC – 04.14.12

Music groups Gandydancer, Retro and Smiling, and John Lilly’s Hank Williams, Sr. Tribute Show will be performing at the first annual Appalachia Extravaganza at Glenville State College on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

“With this concert, we will be showing the transformation of Appalachian music. There will be old-time string band music, traditional bluegrass, and early country. Many different styles and instruments will be used to put on an amazing show filled with Appalachian culture,“ said GSC Resident Artist Buddy Griffin, who will be performing with Retro and Smiling and the John Lilly’s Hank Williams, Sr. Tribute Show.

Gandydancer is an old-time string band. The group is led by world-renown fiddler and banjoist Dave Bing and children’s author and an authority on Appalachian folklore Dr. Gerry Milnes.

Retro and Smiling is a bluegrass band frequently heard on the Sirius XM bluegrass channel and features many well-known Grand Ole Opry musicians along with GSC Alum Luke Shamblin. Graduating in 2010, Shamblin was a prominent member of the GSC Bluegrass Band.

“Being part of the GSC Bluegrass Band is what helped shape me into the musician I am today. The program taught us how to be professionals both on and off the stage. To be performing back in the GSC Fine Arts Auditorium is very exciting,“ said Shamblin..

The John Lilly’s Hank Williams Sr. Tribute Show is made up of West Virginia State Folklorist and Goldenseal magazine editor John Lilly along with many legendary Nashville musicians. Hall of Fame steel guitarist Kayton Roberts, who worked alongside Hank William, Sr. himself at the Grand Ole Opry for many years, is part of the band..

The Appalachia Extravaganza is one of many events being held during the Appalachia Trading Company, a two-day exposition and exploration of Appalachian culture.  Events include a black-iron cook off, square dance, photo exhibit, wine tasting, pie bake off, guest speakers, demonstrations, and performances..  All events are free to the public through a grant from the West Virginia Humanities Council.

“I am very excited to be hosting such prominent names in the music industry at the Appalachia Extravaganza. This event will be great for the whole family,“ said ATC Project Director Tashua Allman.

For a full schedule of ATC events, visit www.glenville.edu/community/atc.

To make reservations for the Appalachia Extravaganza or for more information about the Appalachia Trading Company, contact Allman at “Tashua.Allman@glenville.edu “or 304.462.6051.

Friday, March 23, 2012

GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble to Perform in Europe

The Glenville State College Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble has been invited to perform at the 2012 International Tuba and Euphonium Conference (ITEC) June 23-30, 2012, at the Brucknerhaus in Linz, Austria.

The group is one of about twenty collegiate ensembles from around the world that has been invited to this bi-annual conference which is the largest conference in the low brass discipline in the world.

“This is a major opportunity as this is a very prestigious invite and a wonderful performing and learning experience for our students. Our students and alumni have worked hard for over six years to get to this point. I am incredibly proud of them and for the opportunity to showcase Glenville State College on an international level,“ said Lloyd Bone Jr., GSC Assistant Professor of Music and Fine Arts Department Chair.

This will be the third consecutive ITEC performance by the GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble. The group was also invited to the 2008 ITEC in Cincinnati, Ohio and 2010 ITEC in Tucson, Arizona.

The Glenville State College Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble is comprised of undergraduate Music Education majors and undergraduate Bachelor of Music majors.

The ensemble has performed in a wide variety of brass chamber music concerts on the Glenville State College campus and around West Virginia.

In addition to their performances at the ITEC, the group also was invited to the 2007 United States Army Band Tuba and Euphonium Conference in Washington, D.C.  Bone is in his eighth year conducting the GSC ensemble.

Members of the GSC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble who will be heading to the 2012 ITEC in Linz, Austria are:

•  Alumni Ryan Deems of Clarksburg, Harrison County West Virginia

•  Alumni Stephanie Sumner of Glenville, Gilmer County West Virginia

•  Junior Jonathan Bailess of Edmond, Fayette County, West Virginia

•  Alumni Travis Truax of Saint Marys, Pleasants County West Virginia

•  Senior Chris Baber of Craigsville, Nicholas County West Virginia

•  Junior Leon Hart of Parkersburg, Wood County West Virginia

•  Sophomore Brittany Lott of Petersburg, Grant County West Virginia

•  Sophomore Seth Stemple of Fairmont, Marion County West Virginia

•  Sophomore Ethan Hacker of Exchange, Braxton County West Virginia

•  Freshman Josh White of Waverly, Wood County West Virginia

•  Freshman John Reid of Clear Creek, Raleigh County West Virginia

•  Junior Brittany McGuire of Beckley, Raleigh County West Virginia

•  Sophomore Ryan Spangenberg of Madison, Ohio

The GSC Fine Arts Department is undertaking a fundraising campaign to raise money to cover expenses for this wonderful opportunity for these GSC students. The department will be holding car washes, bake sales and concerts as part of their efforts. The GSC Fine Arts Department is asking for financial support from GSC alumni, students, faculty, staff, family, friends, and local residents. “The Glenville community has always been very gracious and helpful when we have had to fundraise for big trips and honors. Because of the massive distance of the trip, our need is great to cover all the expenses. Any help of any kind will be hugely appreciated,“ said Bone.

Those wishing to help defray the cost for the ensemble may send donations to Sheri Skidmore, GSC Department of Fine Arts, 200 High Street, Glenville, West Virginia 26351.

To make a donation for the trip or for more information, contact Bone at “Lloyd.Bone@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6341.

Friday, March 16, 2012

WV House of Delegates Welcomes Glenville State College Bluegrass Band

On Friday, February 24, 2012, House Majority Leader Brent Boggs welcomed a very special group to the Capitol.

Accompanied by Program Director Megan Darby and former Director Buddy Griffin, the Glenville State College Bluegrass Band performed “The Green Rolling Hills of West Virginia.”

The House of Delegates also recognized the Glenville State College Bluegrass Music Degree Program, founders Buddy Griffin and John McKinney, program director Megan Darby, alumni and students of the program and the Glenville State College Bluegrass Band with a citation.

The Glenville State College Bluegrass Music Degree Program was the nation’s first bluegrass music degree program.

The Glenville State Bluegrass Band was a natural outgrowth of the Glenville State College Bluegrass Music Degree Program and consists of a core group of students who are enrolled in the certificate and/or degree programs and other students who wish to participate in the group.

“I am excited that the Glenville State College Bluegrass Band could play in the House Chambers for members and guests at the Legislature,” Boggs stated.

“This was a great way to showcase the band and the unique bluegrass degree program on the campus of Glenville State.”

Delegate Boggs applauded the band for their performance and was pleased the Legislature could recognize the band, the program and the visionaries who made both possible with the citation presentation.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Guitars, Getaways, Quilts, and Running – A Spring Mix at West Virginia State Parks March 23-25

Guitar Workshop at Twin Falls State Park

Kessinger, Ritchey, and Shafer return as instructors for the Twin Falls State Park Guitar Workshop.  The weekend focus is on instruction and includes guitar electronics and sound, chords, flat-picking, and licks. Combined sessions with all attendees and instructors include jam etiquette, stories, questions and answers and discussion. Individual instruction is also a key element during the weekend.

Robin Kessinger is one of the country’s leading flatpick guitarists. He’s been featured on PBS and BBS television, is a National Flatpicking Champion and has won multiple-state flatpicking contests, multiple times.  An accomplished guitarist, his passion is to teach and to pass on his heritage to others to preserve the music.

Robert Shafer has played guitar professionally since 1981 and also a multiple-time winner of National flatpicking contests as well as multiple-state contests, multiple times.  He has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry.  His talent on the electric guitar has also receives rave reviews from Guitar Play Magazine, The Washington Post, Vintage Guitar Magazine and others.

Jim Ritchey is a recording engineer, published songwriter and touring musician. His songs have been recorded and performed by numerous artists including Kenny Rogers, Jim Messina and B.W. Stevenson.

“There are few places a person will find three more qualified musicians and teachers than at Guitar Workshop at Twin Falls,” said Scott Durham, park superintendent.  “If you’re just learning guitar or have been playing for years, this weekend is a must.” A two-night package including meals and instruction is available. Call 304.294.4000.

Massages, pedicures, and facials – Oh My! at North Bend State Park

The Women’s Getaway 2012 at North Bend State Park is girlfriend weekend.  Lee’s Studio provides a variety of spa treatments beginning Friday through Sunday.  Sessions and classes include the newest techniques in the art of make- up application. Dr. Alex De Souza returns to the weekend bringing his tips, tricks, and professional knowledge. His Anti- Aging Luncheon will teach participants, course by course, about super foods anyone can take advantage of to improve their health and appearance. Throughout the weekend, enjoy sessions and classes that will inspire your creativity and interests. Several classes will be offered, including scrapbooking, cooking instruction, new trends in fashion and cosmetics, and diverse exercise classes.

Thresa Prunty will be reviewing several books related to women, including a special discussion on “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. A beaded jewelry workshop from Treo Treasures is also scheduled.

Weekend packages include two nights lodging, meals and activities.  Spa treatments are an additional cost. Reservations are required by calling 304.643.2931. North Bend’s Quilters Spring Retreat begins on March 25 – 30, 2012.

8th Annual Mid-Ohio Valley Quilt Show at Blennerhassett Historical State Park

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park promises a grand display for its 8th Annual Mid-Ohio Valley Quilt Show. The Museum of Regional History, located in downtown Parkersburg, will showcase area quilts and wall hangings. Prizes will be awarded for “Best of Show” and “People’s Choice.“  The display is open to the public.  Along with the quilt show, a private collection of antique and toy sewing machines, handkerchiefs, quilt blocks, and red work will also be on display. To learn more about how to display textiles for the show or about the event, please call the park office at 304.420.4800.

“Run the Rock” 10K at Coopers Rock State Forest March 25, 2012

The Coopers Rock State Forest Challenge began in the 1970s as a five-mile event and was changed to the Run the Rock 10K in 1991. The race is run on the last Sunday in March to take advantage of the final weekend of spring that Coopers Rock State Forest is closed to vehicular traffic. The course starts at the forest entrance and follows a rolling course on a paved road through the overlook and picnic areas before returning to a downhill finish.

“Run the Rock” at Coopers Rock State Forest begins at 2:00 PM. Registration begins at noon and the cost is $25 on race day or $18 pre-registration. The event is organized and conducted at the forest by the Morgantown Road Runners/WV Track Club and is open to the public to participate. This is a rain or shine event. To register to “Run the Rock,” call 304.215.9271 or email “john.snodgrass@comcast.net”.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

ROANOKE: Stonewall Resort to Host Dance Weekend

Following up on previously successful ballroom and Latin dance weekends, Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, WV, will welcome WV Dance Inc. back to the resort at the end of March.

The resort will host the dance weekend from Friday, March 30, to Sunday, April 01, 2012.

The weekend will include lessons in East Coast Swing and all different forms of Latin and ballroom dances.

There is no dress code for the weekend, but guests are encouraged to wear shoes with either a leather or suede sole to facilitate ease of movement.

The weekend package costs $285 per couple or $221.50 for singles, plus tax and resort fee, and includes all dance instruction, overnight lodging on Friday and Saturday nights and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

For more information, call the resort at 888.278.8150 or go to www.stonewallresort.com.

Monday, February 27, 2012

West Virginia Man Makes American Idol Cut

A Point Pleasant, WV man is a semifinalist in the popular TV talent show “American Idol.“

Media reports say Chase Likens was “just awestruck” when he made the cut this week, becoming one of the final 10 semifinalists.

The 21-year-old Marshall University junior auditioned in Pittsburgh, singing Lady Antebellum’s “Love Don’t Live Here.“

Likens is no stranger to “American Idol.“

He auditioned in Nashville last year, but he did not make the final cut.

Likens is a theatre performance major.

He began singing when he was 5 and performed at his elementary school talent show.

Likens will perform in the live male semifinal round at 8:00 PM Tuesday, February 28, 2012 on Fox.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

GSC Bluegrass Band Performing at Pioneer Grille

The Glenville State College Bluegrass Band is a regular at a Glenville restaurant.

The band members are performing in the Pioneer Grille restaurant dining room every Thursday night from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM through April 19th excluding March 8th and 29th, April 5th and 26th, and May 3rd.

The group will also be performing on Saturday nights from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on March 31st, April 28th, May 26th, and July 4th.

“We are thrilled to have the GSC Bluegrass Band performing at the Pioneer Grille. They are truly Glenville’s best kept secret, and we invite everyone to come out and see them,“ said Pioneer Grille Manager Brian Kennedy.

“This is a great opportunity for the GSC Bluegrass Band members to perform in a real-world environment and interact with community members. We all want to thank the Pioneer Grille staff for supporting us,“ said GSC Bluegrass Music Degree Program Director Megan Darby.

The Glenville State College Bluegrass Program is the world’s first four-year bachelor of arts degree in bluegrass music. “Members of the program are selected through an audition process and truly become masters of bluegrass. Along with lessons, workshops, and performance, the band attends many festivals and volunteers at different community enrichment activities,“ said Darby.

For more information on the GSC Bluegrass Band or the degree program, contact Darby at “Megan.Darby@glenville.edu” or at 304.462.6342.

Weston: Jazz Society to Meet Today

Stonewall Resort and the West Virginia Jazz Society are sponsoring a reception and informational meeting on Thursday to determine community interest and support for a major jazz music event this August.

It would be planned for August 23-26, 2012 at the resort, and it would link with other jazz-oriented events slated for Clarksburg and Bridgeport on the same weekend.

The proposed three-day event - tentatively called “Summer Jazz In West Virginia” - will be modeled after recent successful productions by the WVJS for Winter Jazz Weekend 2012.

It will feature free public performances, educational events and ticketed shows with top jazz artists.

“What we plan to do is present the prototype of the successful event we did in the region in late January, and show how the same thing can work again and be linked to what we’ve already got going,“ said Eric Spelsberg, president of the West Virginia Jazz Society. “If the people who come decide they want a successful event, they can have it.“

The reception meeting is set from 5:00 to 6:00 PM in the Maple Room in the Stonewall Lodge.

Following the reception, the resort will offer a dining special in Stillwater’s Restaurant with live jazz music provided with no cover charge courtesy of WVJS.

The Adam Loudin Organ Trio features Loudin on trumpet, with Kyle Andrews on drums, and Sean Parsons on keyboards. Loudin is a music teacher at Robert L. Bland Middle School in Weston. Andrews is a student at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, while Parsons teaches at Marshall University.

According to organizers, the response at the meeting will be crucial in this year’s planning process, and involvement will require teamwork and commitment.

“Any success we enjoy is the result of cooperation by government, private business and nonprofit groups,“ explained Spelsberg. “It’s totally possible and very affordable, but it depends completely on local people stepping forward and getting involved.“

For more information about the reception, anyone interested can contact Spelsberg at 304.269.3683 or at “WVJazzSociety@aol.com”.

Stonewall Resort can be reached at 304.269.7000.

GSC Brass and Woodwind Concert - 02.24.12 - Friday

The annual GSC Brass and Woodwind Concert is scheduled for Friday, February 24, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Auditorium.

This concert features the GSC Brass Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, and Woodwind Ensemble.

“I would like to welcome the Glenville community along with GSC students, faculty, and staff to the annual Brass and Woodwind Ensemble Concert. This concert will showcase many different styles of music including classical, folk, and jazz,“ said GSC Woodwind Ensemble Director Dr. David Lewis.

“These ensembles perform a wide variety of music and display the virtually limitless possibilities of wind chamber music,“ said GSC Department of Fine Arts Chair Lloyd Bone, who is also the director of both the Brass Ensemble and Trumpet Ensemble.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact GSC Fine Arts Department Assistant Sheri Skidmore at “Sheri.Skidmore@glenville.edu” or at 304.462.6340.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

G-OB™: Gilmer County Schools Employment – Music and Theatre Teacher/Band Director - 02.20.12

POSITION:     Music and Theatre Teacher/Band Director (7-12)  - Gilmer County High School (215 day contract)

EMPLOYMENT TERM:     Remainder of 2011-2012 School Year

JOB DESCRIPTION:

FOR THE POSITION OF:     TEACHER

REPORTS TO:     School Principal or Principal’s Designee

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

I. The teacher shall implement the program of study. The performance criteria for this area shall include:

    A. Bases instruction on adopted curricula for the school.

    B. Demonstrates accurate and current knowledge in the subject field.

    C. Develops appropriate lesson to teach instructional objectives.

    D. Employs a variety of instructional strategies t augment achievement.

    E. Utilizes content scope and sequence in planning.

II. The teacher shall foster a classroom climate conducive to learning. The performance criteria for this area shall include:

    A. Follows established school discipline procedures which include West Virginia Board of Education Policy 4373 - Student Code of Conduct.

    B. Establishes procedures and rules that enhance learning.

    C. Encourages students’ attendance.

    D. Sets high expectations for student performance.

    E. Encourages and acknowledges individual student accomplishments and appropriate behavior.

    F. Treats students in a fair and equitable manner.

    G. Accommodates individual learning differences.

    H. Creates and maintains an environment that supports learning.

    I. Communicates with parents.

III. The teacher shall organize teaching strategies to maximize allocated instructional time to increase student learning. The performance criteria for this area includes:

    A. Prepares and implements lesson plans.

    B. Begins lesson or instructional activity with a review of previous material as appropriate.

    C. Has materials, supplies and equipment ready at the start of the lesson or instructional activity.

    D. Introduces the instructional activity and specifies instructional objectives.

    E. Directs and adequately supervises students to be on task quickly at the beginning of each instructional activity.

    F. Presents reading, writing, speaking, and listening strategies using concepts and language which students understand.

    G. Provides relevant examples and demonstrations to illustrate concepts and skills.

    H. Assigns developmentally appropriate tasks.

    I. Provides instructional pacing that ensures student understanding.

    J. Maximizes student time-on-task.

    K. Makes effective transitions between instructional activities.

    L. Summarizes the main point(s) of the instructional activity.

    M. Encourages students to express ideas clearly and accurately.

    N. Incorporates higher level thinking skills.

    O. Assists students to develop productive work habits and study skills, enabling communication with parents as needed.

    P. Provides remediation activities for students.

    Q. Designs, delivers, and assesses student learning activities addressing the state adopted instructional goals and objectives.

    R. Integrates a variety of technology applications and learning tools t augment student achievement.

IV. The teacher shall monitor student progress towards mastery of instructional goals and objectives. The performance criteria for this area includes:

    A. Gathers, stores and monitors data related to student learning for use in assessing progress toward achieving the instructional objectives.

    B. Follows grading policies and regulations.

    C. Maintains accurate and complete student records.

    D. Monitors and evaluates student progress.

    E. Provides feedback on student work.

    F. Monitors student attendance.

V. The teacher shall communicate with students, parents, educational personnel, and others, utilizing standard grammar, listening skills and clarity in the presentation of ideas. The performance standards in this area includes:

    A. Communicates student progress according to established procedures and policies.

    B. Communicates regularly and effectively with students, co-workers, parents/guardians, and community, exhibiting appropriate interactive skills.

    C. Follows confidentiality procedures regarding students, parents/guardians, and fellow staff members.

    D. Speaks and writes standard English clearly, correctly, and distinctly.

    E. Determines and utilizes appropriate community resources.

VI. The teacher shall demonstrate behavior that reflects established professional responsibilities (i.e. attendance, punctuality, and verbal/nonverbal communication). The criteria for this area includes:

    A. Adheres to established laws, policies, rules, and regulations.

    B. Interacts appropriately with students, other educational personnel, and parents.

    C. Participates in activities which foster professional growth.

    D. Is punctual with reports, grades, records, and in reporting work.

    E. Performs assigned duties.

    F. Strives to meet county/school goals.

    G. Commands respect by example in appearance, manners, behavior and language.

VII. The teacher shall demonstrate competency and knowledge in the implementation of the technology standards identified by West Virginia Board of Education policies.

    A. Demonstrates a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.

    B. Plans and designs effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology.

    C. Implements curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.

    D. Applies technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.

    E. Use technology to enhance productivity and professional practice.

    F. Understands the social, ethical legal and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PreK-12 schools and applies that understanding in practice.

QUALIFICATIONS:     West Virginia Certification in Music (7-12)

REQUIREMENTS:  West Virginia State Board of Education Policy 5310 plus two week Band Camp in August

SALARY:    Based on Professional Salary Scale for Degree and Experience plus supplement for band director

Submit:  Application for employment; Current transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work; Previous two evaluations. Send these documents to:

                                Ronald Blankenship, Superintendent
                                Gilmer County Schools
                                201 North Court Street
                                Glenville, WV 26351

MUST BE RECEIVED BY:  Monday, February 27, 2012   – 3:00 PM

As required by federal laws and regulation, the Gilmer County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, disabling condition, marital status, or national origin in employment or in its educational programs and activities.

NOTE:  State and federal laws include Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504; and other State or Federal laws and regulations governing students and employees.

P12-501-17
Posted: 02.20.12

Monday, February 20, 2012

GSC Brass and Woodwind Concert - 02.24.12

The annual GSC Brass and Woodwind Concert is scheduled for Friday, February 24, 2012 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Auditorium.

This concert features the GSC Brass Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, and Woodwind Ensemble.

“I would like to welcome the Glenville community along with GSC students, faculty, and staff to the annual Brass and Woodwind Ensemble Concert. This concert will showcase many different styles of music including classical, folk, and jazz,“ said GSC Woodwind Ensemble Director Dr. David Lewis.

“These ensembles perform a wide variety of music and display the virtually limitless possibilities of wind chamber music,“ said GSC Department of Fine Arts Chair Lloyd Bone, who is also the director of both the Brass Ensemble and Trumpet Ensemble.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact GSC Fine Arts Department Assistant Sheri Skidmore at “Sheri.Skidmore@glenville.edu” or at 304.462.6340.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

LAPD: Houston Found Dead in Her Hotel Room

There is still no word on what killed Whitney Houston, an iconic singer who sold more millions of albums during her career.

An autopsy was expected to be conducted either Sunday or Monday.

The body of Houston, 48, was found in the bathtub of her room at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday afternoon just hours before she was scheduled to attend a party for the Grammy Awards.

The host of that party was Clive Davis who first signed Houston in 1983 after seeing her perform in a nightclub.  “Whitney was a beautiful person and she had a talent beyond compare,“ Davis said.

A tribute to Houston was going to be part of the Grammy Awards on Sunday night.

Houston won six Grammy awards, two Emmys, 30 Billboard Music Awards and 22 American Music Awards among others over the years.

Her album “Whitney” was the first album by a female artist to ever debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Charts.

She also had a successful film career with movies like “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting To Exhale.“

However, her struggles with drugs and alcohol and her tumultuous relationship with Singer Bobby Brown pushed her out of the spotlight.

The couple has one daughter, Bobbi Kristina, who is 19.

At the time of her death, Houston was reportedly attempting to relaunch her career with a new movie that was set to be released later this year.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Big Names Again For Greenbrier Concert Series

The owner of the Greenbrier announced the concert lineup on Friday afternoon for this year’s Greenbrier Classic PGA Tournament and more big names are on the list.

Justice is bringing in country star Toby Keith to play on the Fourth of July, followed by Rod Stewart with special guest Lionel Richie on Friday July 6th and pop sensation Bon Jovi will perform on Saturday July 7th.

All three play different genres of music and that’s exactly what the owner of the Greenbrier Resort wanted. Justice said Keith was the first performer he wanted to get and he put a lot of time and effort into booking the country super star for the Fourth of July.

“Who we wanted more than anybody for the Fourth of July was Toby Keith and we got him,” said Justice. “Now we can have a more patriotic act on the Fourth of July with Toby Keith, especially with all he’s done for all of our military.”

In typical Justice fashion, he pulled out another surprise shortly after he announced Toby Keith was performing and talked about “The Greenbrier’s Got Country Class” talent competition which will take place between March and April in both Nashville and at the Greenbrier Resort.

It’s a talent show like “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent”, but it’s for country singers. The winner of the competition will open for Toby Keith on July 4th and will also receive a recording contract provided by the Greenbrier.

“Toby wanted to be sure that it was a country act. So now we’re going to go out and search the world and we’re going to have auditions here as well as in Nashville and we’re going to find maybe the next new country star,” said Justice during his Friday press conference.

“Not to rival ‘American Idol’ or ‘America’s Got Talent’ but just do our own little number,” continued Justice. “I said why don’t we have the winner do the opening act for Toby Keith on the Fourth of July. And so that’s really taken off.”

That July 04 date is also something Justice worked hard to get and he said they plan on having the Greenbrier Classic on the Fourth of July every year for the foreseeable future. Justice also said he is working on getting a contract extension with the PGA Tour. He didn’t specify how many years it would be, but said he will make sure the tournament says in West Virginia for a long time.

“We’ve already been working on a significant extension and we should have that finalized well before the event this year,” stated Justice. “We’ve been working on that for about five months and thought we had it all finalized in September, but we’ve got three years left and it’s just taking them (PGA) a little while longer.”

The Greenbrier is in year three of a six-year deal with the PGA Tour. So far the Greenbrier Classic is off to the kind of start only Jim Justice could put together and he’s hoping it will be another tournament to remember.

“America’s holiday, America’s resort, America’s golf tournament,” stated Justice. “Just think about it. We’re going to have an incredible week of golf.”

~~ Chip Fontanazza – WVMN ~~

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Glenville: Gilmer County Gospel Sing - 01.14.12

The Gilmer County Gospel Sing will be Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 6:30 M at the Gilmer County Senior Center.

Special singers: Rusty Sumner Family.

Everyone welcome!

Sunday, January 01, 2012

Landau Murphy Jr. Is West Virginian of the Year

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. (born August 11, 1974) is a jazz singer from Logan County, West Virginia. He received national attention for winning the sixth season of the NBC reality show America’s Got Talent.

Murphy was revealed as the winner of the show on September 14, 2011, after a positively received performance of “My Way”, a song popularized by Frank Sinatra. He won the $1 million grand prize.

Performances and Results

1951 - OKEY L. PATTESON, 23rd governor, chief creator of the West Virginia Turnpike.

1952 - WALTER S. HALLANAN, former Huntington Herald-Dispatch editor, state official, oilman, chairman of 1952 Republican National Convention.

1953 - ADM. FELIX B. STUMP, from Parkersburg, commander of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet.

1954 - GEN. CHARLES E. YEAGER, from Lincoln County, World War II air hero and test pilot, first to break the sound barrier.

1955 - LEONARD RIGGLEMAN, longtime president of Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston), moved the school from Barboursville.

1956 - JOHN D. HOBLITZELL JR., of Parkersburg, education leader, appointed U.S. senator.

1957 - MICHAEL L. BENEDUM, "the Great Wildcatter," Bridgeport native, oil millionaire, philanthropist.

1958 - WILLIAM J. THOMPSON, Kanawha circuit judge, advocate of probation.

1959 - JERRY WEST, SAM HUFF, West Virginia basketball and football heroes.

1960 - FRED OTTO, Kanawha Valley civic leader, manager who helped save the DuPont Belle plant from phase-out.

1961 - CHARLES HODEL, orphan who lost a leg, became dynamic publisher of Beckley newspapers.

1962 - PEARL BUCK, Nobel Prize-winning author, born in Pocahontas County.

1963 - CYRUS VANCE, veteran U.S. diplomat and secretary of state.

1964 - SEN. JENNINGS RANDOLPH, member of Congress since the 1930s, chief author of Appalachian Regional Commission.

1965 - THE REV. LEON SULLIVAN, Charleston-born civil rights leader, created job training for blacks, planned phase-out of apartheid in South Africa.

1966 - WALTER F. REUTHER, United Auto Workers union president, born in Wheeling.

1967 - REV. HILARION CANN, BISHOP FRED HOLLOWAY, RABBI SAMUEL COOPER and BISHOP WILBURN CAMPBELL, four state leaders in church efforts for civil rights.

1968 - PHYLLIS CURTIN, from Clarksburg, GEORGE CRUMB JR. from Charleston, opera soprano and composer.

1969 - DR. DANIEL HALE, Princeton physician and conservationist, created flood-control dam and safe water supply.

1970 - WILLIAM T. BROTHERTON JR., of Charleston, state Senate president, creator of the Legislature's corruption-probing commission.

1971 - DR. JOHN C. NORMAN, Charleston-born surgeon and medical researcher.

1972 - ARCH A. MOORE JR., 28th governor, dynamic in his first term.

1973 - ARNOLD MILLER, Cabin Creek disabled miner, elected president of the UMW after crusading against union corruption.

1974 - SEN. ROBERT C. BYRD, who rose from Raleigh County poverty to leadership in Congress.

1975 - DR. JAMES HARLOW, physicist, 16th president of West Virginia University.

1976 - JAMES DAVID BARBER, Charleston native, Duke University political scientist, author of books on presidency.

1977 - SEN. ROBERT C. BYRD, chosen again after he attained national power as Senate majority leader.

1978 - MARY LEE SETTLE, from Charleston, renowned novelist.

1979 - MAURICE G. BROOKS, WVU biologist, author of four books on mountain wildlife.

1980 - CHARLES PETERS JR., from Charleston, former legislator, publisher of The Washington Monthly.

1981 - SHARON ROCKEFELLER, public broadcasting advocate, wife of Sen. Jay Rockefeller.

1982 - ARTHUR RECHT, Wheeling circuit judge who mandated equality between rich and poor county school systems.

1983 - JAMES "BUCK" HARLESS, Mingo County lumber and coal mogul, philanthropist.

1984 - MARY LOU RETTON, from Fairmont, Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics.

1985 - LOUISE McNEIL PEASE, from Pocahontas County, state poet laureate.

1986 - DALE NITZSCHKE, president of Marshall University, leader in innovative educational concepts.

1987 - ROBERTA EMERSON, curator who expanded Huntington Museum of Art.

1988 - DON NEHLEN, football coach who led WVU to an 11-0 season.

1989 - MICHAEL CAREY, U.S. attorney who cleaned up corruption in Mingo County and state government.

1990 - SEN. ROBERT C. BYRD, chosen a third time for bringing billions of dollars worth of federal projects to West Virginia.

1991 - SEN. JAY ROCKEFELLER, legislator, secretary of state, governor and U.S. senator.

1992 - LYELL CLAY, HAZEL RUBY McQUAIN, CHARLIE ERICKSON, JOAN EDWARDS and other philanthopists - "The Givers" who support West Virginia projects.

1993 - The entireWVU FOOTBALL TEAM, for another undefeated season.

1994 - HENRY LOUIS "SKIP" GATES, Mineral County native who became Harvard's top black scholar, won a MacArthur "genius award" and wrote a book about his boyhood in West Virginia.

1995 - ROBERT C. FRASURE, from Morgantown, a deputy assistant secretary of state who was killed while trying to negotiate peace in Bosnia's civil war.

1996 - GASTON CAPERTON, upon completing two terms as a successful, progressive governor, whose tenure brought economic growth and few scandals.

1997 - ELIZABETH HALLANAN, one of America's few female federal judges, who reformed child support and voided a state plan for government-sponsored religion in schools.

1998 - ADM. JOSEPH LOPEZ, a Fayette County native who rose through the ranks to command U.S. forces in Bosnia and the Mediterranean.

1999 - BOB PRUETT, Marshall University football coach who selflessly turned down big-money offers - and his CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM.

2000 - JOHN CHAMBERS JR., president of the Internet giant, Cisco Systems, which enables computers to communicate, thus spurring the Information Age.

2001 - The WEST VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD, for a year of duty against floods, forest fires and terrorism.

2002 - SEN. ROBERT C. BYRD, a courageous lone voice resisting the plunge to war in Iraq.

2003 - PFC. JESSICA LYNCH of Wirt County, who became America's hero after she was severely injured, captured and then rescued in Iraq fighting.

2004 - CHARLIE JONES, longtime West Virginia barge and coal operator, providing jobs through one of the state's few home-based corporations.

2005 - WEST VIRGINIA SOLDIERS serving, fighting and dying in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their burdened families at home.

2006 - DAVID HARDESTY for his long years of fine leadership at West Virginia University.

2007 - JENNIFER GARNER for her success as a movie and Broadway actress, along with humanitarian works and public devotion to her home state.

2008 - BETTY SCHOENBAUM, Charleston philanthropist, for her many gifts enhancing life in the state capital.

2009 - JIM JUSTICE, Greenbrier County philanthropist who saved The Greenbrier resort and helps numerous West Virginia causes.

2010 - GEN. ALLEN TACKETT, retiring after long career of leading and improving the West Virginia National Guard.

2011 - LANDAU EUGENE MURPHY JR., Logan County singer who won $1 million in the nationwide "America's Got Talent" television show competition and became a popular and positive image of West Virginia.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Daily G-Eye™: 12.25.11

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Daily G-Eye™: 12.24.11

Thursday, December 22, 2011

GSC Trillium Accepting Submissions

Local artists and writers are encouraged to submit work for the 2012 issue of the Trillium, Glenville State College’s literary and arts journal.

The Trillium is a collection of artwork, poems, poetry, prose, audio, and visual work.

“The Trillium is edited and published by GSC students and is released every Spring semester.  We invite all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Glenville community to submit their creative work,” said GSC Associate Professor of English Jonathan Minton.

Work should be submitted electronically with contact information and a brief biographical note included with the submission.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, January 09, 2012.

Submissions can be sent to the Trillium Editor Rose Johnson at “rose.johnsonc@gmail.com”.

For more information, contact Minton at “Jonathan.Minton@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6322.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Glenville: Another Open Mic Night at Build-A-Dog – 12.17.11

Once again Build-A-Dog would like to invite anyone in the community to come out and participate in an Open Mic Night this Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 5:00 PM, hosted by Peddler Jones and Chris Ratliff.

As always BuLu Bear will be on hand to read children’s stories and other activities with the little ones.

It is free to participate both as a spectator and performer.

This week along with Peddler, Chris, and Bulu there will also be performances by Ashley Eagle and Amanda Reed.

Both girls have powerful voices and a joy to listen to perform.

Ashley is a GSC student with a strong connection to Bluegrass music.

Amanda is a student at Marietta College who has performed at many state and local fairs and festivals.

So come out and join us for what appears to be building up to be a wonderful and exciting evening.

The self-serve hot dog and snack bar will be open during the event.

Build-A-Dog is now proudly serving cold 20 ounce bottles of Pepsi products in addition to the usual beverages.

Monday, December 05, 2011

GSC Holiday Piano Recital December 05, 2011 - Tonight

Anita White, GSC Adjunct Instructor of Piano and Department Accompanist is again planning to hold her annual holiday piano recital.

White will perform ‘Carols for Jesus’ Birth’ on Monday, December 05, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

The event is free to the public. “I retired from Glenville State College last May, but they asked me to come back, and I’m very glad,” 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 native has also been involved in the planning and performing of many community and church cantatas and oratorios.

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

Friday, December 02, 2011

Nine Artists to Make Poplar Forest December Appearance

Poplar Forest will be hosting nine artists who will be running the store through December.

Store hours are 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the downtown Sutton 200 Second Street location. Look on the left when you turn for the bridge!

Poplar Forest will enter a by appointment only phase through the winter so if you have been seeking one of a kind handmade and crafted… not imported fine arts and crafts from the only non-profit arts and crafts store in center of central West Virginia.

Customers are permitted to park in the corner lot at Fourth and Main.

A leather leaf key ring will be given free to the first fifteen people who come in the shop Saturday December 03, 2011 in conjunction with the Sutton Christmas Parade.

And fifteen will be given away Saturday, December 10, 2011 in conjunction with the Sutton Santa’s Comin’ to Town.

Gene Breza, a leather crafter with near 40 years’ experience, will start out on the first of the month. He makes the leather belts in the store and takes orders for carved belts. He stamps names as well. He not only stamps the name he relief tools the letters to make them really stand out… then if you would like he can paint the letters or paint the back drop for a nice effect. Christmas orders will be taken until December 17, 2011. Gene is from Gilmer County where he has a hilltop homestead near Tanner. He will be filling in at regular hours the on December 16th from 2:00 to 7:00 PM, then the 22nd and 23rd and the following week. He started in leather work repairing horse harness.

Herb Broadbent, a master woodworker, who makes musical instruments, will be at Poplar Forest December 2nd.  He makes a bowed Psaltery that is so sweet to hear.  And they come with playing instructions and a tuner with rosin.  He makes the mountain dulcimer as well. One signature touch that harmonizes so well with the Poplar Forest store is the poplar leaf sound holes. Herb lives in Clay County and he came in from New England where he was awed but the unusualness of that particular leaf. He also has a line of pewter ware that is in demand at retail stores in the state and beyond. There are civil and revolutionary war replicas, of canon and rifles. He has salt and honey spoons in decorative gift boxes, along with West Virginia State memorabilia such as state capitol and New River Gorge key rings.

Larry Hutchison, a jeweler from Frametown WV, will man the store Saturday morning December3rd December. Larry is known local jewelers for his distinctive wire works sculpted around his carefully polished semiprecious stones. He also has walking sticks in the store from a variety of woods. He will be working until 2:00 PM that day.

Kevin Carpenter will step in on the Third at 2:00 PM.  The long time Sutton resident runs the Elk Hostel upstairs. He is the person responsible for getting the West Virginia Film Festival to claim Sutton as its home. He does production and filming as well. A descendant of the first pioneers of the county he established The Elk River Gathering in June to commemorate and honor the pioneer and native heritage. He may fill in on the 17th as well.

Bob Henry Baber will be at Poplar Forest December the 9th.  Bob has a number of mosaic artworks in the store.. He creates wonderful thought provoking sometimes, humorous frames that usually have a one line loku that plays upon the words and minutia of the mosaic. The Glenville State College major gifts officer loves art. He gives workshops for creating what he calls memory pieces where you bring knickknacks, bric-a-brac and finds from you home to fuse into a piece to remind you and others of what is important in your life. Did we mention that Bob has a book for sale at Poplar Forest as well?  What could be called a 70’s classic starts out at a “Love In” in LA where the hero gets arrested for protecting his friend who is getting pulverized. The story winds through the California Court system, LA barrios, and the author’s home of Richwood, WV. It is available in paperback and hardback editions at a discount.

Steve Ostaff, owner and operator of Bullfrog Forge, will make an appearance at Poplar Forest December the 10th. Steve is a longtime Blacksmith of the old school using a bellows and a coal fire with an anvil to pound out decorative and functional ironwork piece from wall hooks to fireplace kettle hangers. Steve set his forge up at the Elk River Gathering in last June 11 in the lot next to Poplar Forest. Steve lives in Gilmer County near the old county seat in Latonia. He is a WV National Guard Desert Storm veteran.

Tiera Floyd, of Sutton WV, will keep shop from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM then from 11:00 to 2:00 Thursday December 15th and December 16th respectively. Come see her pixel like close up facial paintings. She manages to bring out the glow of the skin in her images that are partially analog appearing and partially looking like a digital image that has been blow up so your cane see the squares of color that make up a digital image. She attends Wesleyan College in Buckhannon where she will soon graduate with a Bachelor of Arts.

Aine Slabaugh moved from Texas with her husband to Burnsville WV.  She works in the office of the WVU extension office in Sutton. She is gourd artist who makes gourd birdhouses with shingles made out of the seeds removed from the gourd. They are good looking and functional as well. She does textured paintings of landscapes and fish eye views of landscapes from under the water. Plus she produces a product to help you sleep. She sells lavender flower filled eye pillows that are very soft and southing to the eyes to wear at night.  She helped with two scarecrows at the Sutton Scarecrow Contest in October. She will be at Poplar Forest from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday December 15.

Denise Summers of Sutton will appear at Poplar Forest December 21 and possible the 24th from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. She says of her, “I’ve been doing art projects since I was a young girl. I have several different crafts at Poplar Forest, such as painted saw blades, gourd art, stuffed animals, and grape vine wreathes. Shelly (her sister) is… a talented artist. Many of these projects we’ve worked together.” Denise has been a mainstay at Poplar Forest working at least one day a month and getting us open the store more days the week of Christmas.

For more info email “poplarforest@yahoo.com” or call 304.300.7767. Or see us on Facebook.

GSC ‘Home for the Holidays’ Celebration - Friday and Saturday

Members of the Glenville State College Chamber Singers are presenting a ‘Home for the Holidays’ celebration on both Friday, December 02 and Saturday, December 03, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center lobby area.

The group’s members will perform holiday classics and skits while the audience enjoys cookies and cocoa.

“Bring a friend and bask in the holiday cheer! Take the time to feel the spirit of the season and sing along,” said GSC Chamber Singers Director Teresa Dody.

“Teresa Dody is one of the great GSC Ambassadors and this concert will be a beautiful holiday reflection of the love and dedication she has for GSC and the community,” said GSC Department of Fine Arts Chair Lloyd Bone.

General admission is $7.00 or $10.00 for two tickets. To reserve a seat, call the GSC Department of Fine Arts at 304.462.6340.

For more information, contact Dody at “Teresa.Dody@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6345.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

GSC Holiday Piano Recital December 05, 2011

Anita White, GSC Adjunct Instructor of Piano and Department Accompanist is again planning to hold her annual holiday piano recital.

White will perform ‘Carols for Jesus’ Birth’ on Monday, December 05, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

The event is free to the public. “I retired from Glenville State College last May, but they asked me to come back, and I’m very glad,” 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 native has also been involved in the planning and performing of many community and church cantatas and oratorios.

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

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

GSC ‘Home for the Holidays’ Celebration

Members of the Glenville State College Chamber Singers are presenting a ‘Home for the Holidays’ celebration on both Friday, December 02 and Saturday, December 03, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the GSC Fine Arts Center lobby area.

The group’s members will perform holiday classics and skits while the audience enjoys cookies and cocoa.

“Bring a friend and bask in the holiday cheer! Take the time to feel the spirit of the season and sing along,” said GSC Chamber Singers Director Teresa Dody.

“Teresa Dody is one of the great GSC Ambassadors and this concert will be a beautiful holiday reflection of the love and dedication she has for GSC and the community,” said GSC Department of Fine Arts Chair Lloyd Bone.

General admission is $7.00 or $10.00 for two tickets. To reserve a seat, call the GSC Department of Fine Arts at 304.462.6340.

For more information, contact Dody at “Teresa.Dody@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6345.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

G-Comm™: George Harrison - A Life Remembered in Words and Songs

Ten years ago, on November 29, 2001, George Harrison—the “quiet Beatle”—passed away at the age of 58, a victim of throat cancer. Harrison left behind an amazing legacy, one that not only spanned a legendary musical career that began with the Beatles and continued throughout his solo career but also went beyond the cultural to the spiritual. Indeed, Harrison’s spirituality—rooted in Eastern spiritual practices—greatly impacted the life and musical endeavors of fellow Beatles John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, as well as other figures in popular culture.

Harrison, a born and bred Liverpudlian, developed an affinity for Indian music and religion after being introduced to the sitar while making the film Help! After meeting Indian sitar master Ravi Shankar and traveling to India in 1966, Harrison found his love of Indian music and spirituality transformed into a life-long commitment to Eastern spiritual practices.

In August 1967, Harrison encouraged his fellow Beatles (and associates) to attend a lecture at the London Hilton presented by the Maharishi Mehesh Yogi—the so-called progenitor of Transcendental Meditation (TM). Attendance at TM lectures tripled almost immediately after it was publicized that the Beatles were into TM. In fact, Deepak Chopra, an Indian medical doctor and author, credits Harrison with spreading TM and other Eastern spiritual practices to America almost single-handedly. Moreover, given the Beatles’ amazing influence at the time, Harrison’s foray into TM set the stage for a movement that would result in the Western world being infused with Eastern spirituality and meditation practices—a movement that continues to this day.

In 1968, Harrison and his wife invited John, Paul and Ringo to join them on a retreat to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram (spiritual hermitage) in Rishikesh, India. They were joined by an all-star entourage including actress Mia Farrow, Mike Love of the Beach Boys, and singer/songwriter Donovan. The Beatles found their creative energies heightened in the peaceful atmosphere of the retreat. Between the four of them, they composed over 40 songs while in India. As Philip Goldberg notes in his book, American Veda: From Emerson and the Beatles to Yoga and Meditation, How Indian Spirituality Changed the West, the Beatles’ trip to Rishikesh “may have been the most momentous spiritual retreat since Jesus spent those forty days in the wilderness.”

Not even the Beatles’ break-up could dampen Harrison’s enthusiasm for Eastern spirituality and Hinduism in particular, both of which played starring roles in Harrison’s life as a solo artist. Even as he shunned the spotlight, Harrison continued to imbue his life and music with a spiritual message that emphasized peace, love and harmony. During his final years, he seemed content to spend his time gardening and practicing Hinduism.

Books and documentaries about Harrison’s life and music abound, but George’s observations and lyrics best encapsulate his life’s mission and work.

“We’ve all got the same goal whether we realize it or not. We’re all striving for something which is called God. For a reunion, complete. Everybody has realized at some time or other that no matter how happy they are, there’s still always the unhappiness that comes with it.”

My Sweet Lord

My Sweet Lord
I really want to see you;
Really want to be with you.
Really want to see you Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord.

“If there is a God, I want to see him. It’s pointless to believe in something without proof, and Krishna consciousness and meditation are methods where you can actually obtain God perception. You can actually see God and hear Him, play with Him. It might sound crazy, but He’s actually there with you.”

It’s All Too Much

Floating down the stream of time, of life to life with me
Makes no difference where you are or where you’d like to be.

“Everyone is a potential Jesus Christ, really. We are all trying to get to where Jesus Christ got. And we’re going to be on this world until we get there. We’re all different people and we are all doing different things in life, but that doesn’t matter because the whole point of life is to harmonise with everything, every aspect in creation. That means down to not killing the flies, eating the meat, killing people or chopping the trees down.”

Isn’t It a Pity?

Some things take so long
But how do I explain
When not too many people
Can see we’re all the same
And because of all their tears
Their eyes can’t hope to see
The beauty that surrounds them
Isn’t it a pity

“Just as cinematic images appear to be real but are only combinations of light and shade, so is the universal variety a seeming delusion. The planetary spheres, with their countless forms of life, are naught but figures in a cosmic motion picture… One’s values are profoundly changed when he is finally convinced that creation is only a vast motion picture; and that not in, but beyond it, lies in his own reality.”

The Inner Light

Arrive without traveling
See all without looking
Do all without doing

“Well, I am two-faced. But really, things serious and comical are like night and day, black and white, yin and yang. In order to be comical, you have to be serious. You can’t have one without the other. The world is a very serious and, at times, very sad place—but at other times it is all such a joke.”

Rising Sun

But in the rising sun you can feel your life begin
Universe at play inside your DNA
You’re a billion years old today.

“In one way, I feel pessimistic. When you see the rate that the world is being demolished—people polluting the oceans and chopping down all the forests—unless somebody puts the brakes on soon, there isn’t going to be anything left. There’s just going to be more and more people with less and less resources. In that respect, I feel very sad. But at the same time, I have to be optimistic. At the bottom line, I think that even if the whole planet blew up, you’d have to think about what happens when you die. In the end, ‘Life goes within you and without you.’ I just have a belief that this is only one little bit, the physical world is one little bit, of the physical universe, and you can’t really destroy it totally. You can destroy our planet, but the souls are going onto other planets. So in the end it doesn’t really matter.”

Within You Without You

When you’ve seen beyond yourself
Then you may find
Peace of mind is waiting there
And the time will come
When you see we’re all one
And life flows on within you and without you.

“It is one of our perennial problems, whether there is a God. From the Hindu point of view each soul is divine. All religions are branches of one big tree. It doesn’t matter what you call Him as long as you call.”

Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)

Give me love
Give me love
Give me peace on earth
Give me light
Give me life
Keep me free from birth
Give me hope
Help me cope, with this heavy load
Trying to, touch and reach you with,
Heart and soul.

George Harrison’s fascination with and dedication to Indian music and spirituality inspired many to open their minds to what the Eastern world has to offer. Because of his efforts, Western culture was introduced to a new way of life and a new wave of music and instruments, not to mention meditation and yoga. For a so-called “quiet Beatle,” Harrison left a loud mark on American culture.

~~  by John W. Whitehead ~~

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Artists to Run Poplar Forest November 25 and 26, 2011

Poplar Forest will have two of its member artists working the store following this Thanksgiving Holiday.

We will have Don Coleman, musical instrument maker, who will be accompanied by his wife Roberta who makes quilted pie carriers running the store on Friday the 25th of November.

Then on Saturday, the 26th, Denise Summers who crafts gourds, saw blades and stuffed animals will man the only non-profit arts and crafts store in center of central West Virginia.

Stop by and meet these people as well as peruse the wide selection of… one of a kind… handmade and/or crafted paintings, photographs, quilts, furniture, ceramic and wooden bowls, baked goods candles, beaded jewelry by five artists, mosaics, leather belts and coal fired forged iron hooks and such.

We also have books written by our members as well as titles by West Virginia authors on local and historical topics of interest.

We have body care products… some being of all natural ingredients. We even have puppets that can be hours of entertainment for children.

We asked Don Coleman for a brief biography. This is what he tells us about himself and his work.

“I began working after my high school graduation as an elementary school teacher in a one-room school.  After three plus years I went into the ministry and was the pastor for churches beginning in 1958.  I completed my college work at WVA Wesleyan and continued my education in The Methodist Theological School, Delaware, Ohio.  After graduation from seminary I worked as an associate pastor for one year and then served as pastor for churches located in various towns throughout WV.  I retired in 1998 and my wife, Roberta and I have lived on Airport Road since that time.

My hobby has been woodworking and building instruments since that time.  I have built harps, psalteries, musical spoons, hammered dulcimers, and a variety of small items.  Also; I rebuild autoharps. The autoharp is the only instrument I play on a regular basis with the Strumalong Group and an occasional song on the banjo.  I have some of these instruments in Poplar Forest and have at least one of the instruments for sale that I have named above.”

Don’s psalteries come with instructions and a tuner plus noted playing scores that you slide under the strings.

Denise Summers told us:

“I’m a single gal in my 50’s.I live with my sister Shelly in Sutton I’ve lived in many places such as Illinois, California, Florida and West Virginia. Although I’m not a native of West Virginia, I will always think of it as home.

I’ve been doing art projects since I was a young girl. I have several different crafts at Poplar Forest, such as painted saw blades, gourd art, stuffed animals, and grape vine wreathes. Shelly is very crafty too and a talented artist. Many of these projects we’ve worked together.

Please come on down and check out our wares.”

Poplar Forest is open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 200 Second Street in downtown Sutton across from City National Bank and the Braxton Democrat office.

You are permitted to park in the corner lot.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Song Written about Charleston Debuts

For about eight years Vic Grigoraci has wanted a song written that would conjure up nostalgia about Charleston.

Grigoraci, an accountant and city treasurer, hoped the song would be something like “New York, New York” or “San Francisco,“ which he called melodious.

“I wanted something like ‘Country Roads,‘“ Grigoraci said.

His efforts have come to fruition with a little help from music-minded people like Larry Groce, Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde.

Scarpelli and Kehde, a musical duo who have worked together for many years, wrote the song “It’s Alright.“ The song is about a man who leaves Charleston yet yearns to return home, Scarpelli said.

“It’s a homecoming song,“ he said.

Scarpelli and Kehde, who have worked together with the Contemporary Youth Arts Company for about 15 years, bounced lyrics back and forth for a couple of hours and then the premise came to them.

“The song just kind of came to me almost instantly,“ Scarpelli said.

The pair wrote the song and demonstrated it for Grigoraci, who told them to begin working on getting it recorded, Scarpelli said.

Grigoraci approached Scarpelli during a Kanawha Players Club production in May 2010. Scarpelli actually wrote a couple of songs for Grigoraci, but nothing really “clicked,“ he said.

“One of the songs kind of promoted Charleston itself,“ Scarpelli said. “That’s not really the idea behind this.“

The song was supposed to be more about how it feels to come home to Charleston, not to promote actual sites around the city, he said. Scarpelli is now pleased with the final product.

“The song is about a guy who leaves Charleston and gets in trouble and yearns to come back,“ he said. “But when he’s home, it’s all right.“

The pair chose the musicians and local singing sensation Colton Pack, 16, from Oak Hill. Pack debuted the song earlier this month in front of a crowd awaiting Santa Claus at Charleston Town Center.

Pack won the Teen Idol contest at the mall in 2011, Scarpelli said.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Free GSC Jazz Band and Concert Choir Concert – Wednesday, 11.16.11

The Glenville State College Jazz Band and Concert Choir Concert is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Fine Arts Center Auditorium.

Members of the two ensembles are working together to put on a show that will feature jazz music at its finest.

“I hope everyone can join us for an exciting concert. You’ll get to hear many styles of jazz from both the GSC Concert Choir and the Jazz Band. In addition, some of the vocalists will be performing with the jazz band. It has been fun exploring the roots of jazz and jazz performers down through history. Come and join us for a toe-tappin’ good time,” said GSC Concert Choir Director Teresa Dody.

“The concert will consist of the GSC Concert Choir performing a number of selections featuring jazz harmonies and rhythms accompanied by a small jazz combo. The GSC Jazz Band will present a variety of pieces with solo vocalists being featured in several songs,” 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 304.462.4130.