FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE GREETS AUDIENCE AT GSC'S BLUEGRASS CONCERT

(10/20/2011)

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

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