Organized in the spring of 2000, the Denison Bluegrass Ensemble brings together students interested in the performance of traditional Appalachian, country, bluegrass, and progressive acoustic music. They will give a concert at 8 p.m. on Friday (April 22) in the Burke Recital Hall. The Ensemble is divided into two separate bands, which will each perform a short set and then unite for several songs. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will end with two tunes from Assistant Professor of Music Andrew Carlson's new collection of fiddle duos. "I am adding several extra fiddlers for a grand finale," says Carlson. "I like to call it 'The Great Wall of Fiddle'."

Carlson, who is a recognized performer on the "fiddle" as well as classical violin, will lead the ensemble. He requires the student players to learn all the music by ear (no written music) to help them absorb the style as they learn the specific notes, rhythms, etc. Instrumentation includes fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, bass, and vocals.

Carlson joined the Denison faculty in 2000 and teaches violin and music history and also directs the Baroque Orchestra. He earned his bachelor and master of music degrees at the University of Georgia and his doctorate at the University of Iowa.

In addition to his experience as a classical violinist, Carlson began learning traditional fiddle music from his grandfather at age 5. He has twice been named the Georgia State Champion fiddler and also was named the 2000 Ohio Grand Champion Fiddler. As a studio musician and string arranger he has recorded for Warner Bros., Atlantic, Elektra, and Polydor.

Members of the Ensemble include: seniors Chris Dougherty (Reynoldsburg), Alma Fellows (Little Valley, N.Y.), Brian Giovanni (St. Louis, Mo.), Jacob Hawkins (Marion), and Jordan Smith (Waverly); juniors Emily Hickman (), Craig Howard (Getzville, N.Y.), Bethany Hurst (New Concord), Greg Mecoli (Union), Travis Moles (Cincinnati), and Matt Morrell (Medford, Ore.); sophomores Jenna Lawson (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Rachel Liber (North Canton); and first-years Kyle Adamcik (Perrysburg), Jeff Camealy (Springboro), Madie Mohre (Dewitt, Mich.), Nellie Schrantz (St. Johns, Mich.), and Jimmy Sheppard (Columbus).

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- The Denison Bluegrass Ensemble in concert, 8 p.m., Friday (April 22), Burke Recital Hall (240 W. Broadway). Free and open to the public. Call (740) 587-6220 to confirm information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

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Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575