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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2017

For More Information:
�鶹��ƵState College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115

Chelsea Hicks, Megan Darby, and Jake Stover

GLENVILLE, WV – Members of the �鶹��ƵState College Bluegrass Band have been on the road a lot lately. In late February, Bluegrass Program Director Miss Megan Darby and students Jake Stover and Chelsea Hicks hit the road to audition for summer student employment at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. “The audition process was intense and a really good learning opportunity for all of us,” said Stover. “There were a ton of professional bands and acts auditioning that day!” Hicks added.

Additionally, band members Josh Pitcock and Chelsea Hicks, along with Darby, recently traveled to Nashville, Tennessee. The students earned bluegrass internship credit for participating in the trip. “Thanks to our friends Larry ‘Pokey’ and Cheryl Chunn at the Grand Ole Opry, GSC’s program was recognized on stage at the Opry, featured at John A’s Restaurant, and showcased at the World Famous Station Inn,” said Darby.

Seo Jimyeong (left) with members of the GSC Bluegrass Band in Nashville

During the Nashville trip, the group met a young lady who was visiting the United States for the first time – 25-year-old South Korean Seo Jimyeong. She had come to the U.S. for a two-week trip specifically looking for bluegrass music experiences. In South Korea she had studied jazz, pop, and blues guitar. “About a year ago I discovered bluegrass music through online media and YouTube,” Jimyeong said.

Megan Darby, Josh Pitcock, Chelsea Hicks, Jake Stover, and Buddy Griffin

According to Darby, “Jimyeong and I met while jamming at the Station Inn. I could tell she was an excellent guitar player and I really wanted to learn more about her interest in bluegrass music. She also explained that she was aware of only one other person in South Korea who knew of bluegrass music.”

On March 11, Jimyeong flew from Nashville to Charleston, West Virginia to meet up with Darby who then took her for a visit and tour of the �鶹��ƵState College campus. Afterward she and ten GSC students traveled to the Mountaineer Opry House in Milton, West Virginia to watch the legendary Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. “It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience sharing with and teaching someone about our culture and unique music,” said GSC Bluegrass Band member Josh Runyon. “We have high hopes that Jimyeong will return to GSC with some friends and study bluegrass music with us,” Darby said.

The band now looks forward to their remaining performances for the spring 2017 semester.

For more information or to purchase GSC Bluegrass Band CDs, contact Darby at (304) 462-6347.

Tentative Spring/Fall 2017 Schedule

March 31 – Doddridge County Library; West Union, WV
April 1-3 – Internship trip to Nashville, TN
April 15 – Wheeling Jamboree; Wheeling, WV
April 22 – Kruiz-In for Kids Car show; Glenville, WV
April 23 & 24 – GSC Bluegrass begins recording third album; Clay City, KY
April 26 – Local Nursing �鶹��Ƶ; Glenville, WV
April 28 – GSC Alumni Event; Teays Valley, WV
May 26-June 4 – Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, TN
June 11-14 – Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Youth Boot Camp
July 21 & 22 – GSC Youth Bluegrass Boot Camp; Glenville, WV
October 14 – Annual Fall Bluegrass Concert featuring the Kody Norris Band (Jimmy Martin Tribute)
October 27 – Penny Royal Opry House; Fairview, OH