Testing Tradition, by The East Tennessee State University Bluegrass Band, features twelve selections composed by students of the world-renowned Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies program. Thirty-one student performers contributed their energy and talent to create masterful arrangements, tight harmonies, and virtuosic instrumentals. Produced by Daniel Boner Director of Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN Engineered by Benjamin Bateson Recording Laboratory Manager Department of Appalachian Studies Recording Lab East Tennessee State University Johnson City, TN Mixed by Benjamin Bateson and Daniel Boner at Echo Mountain Recording Studios Asheville, NC Mastered by Randy LeRoy Airshow Mastering Tacoma Park, MD Photos by Larry Smith, Jim Sledge, and Charlie Warden East Tennessee State University Photographic Services Johnson City, TN Additional photography by Bill Bryant Created with a Click Photography Bristol, TN Design by Sue Meyer suemeyerdesign.com Replication by Disc Makers Nashville, TN Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies at East Tennessee State University is the oldest established program of it's kind at any four-year institution. Founded in 1982 by Jack Tottle, this program preserves the musical traditions rooted in Appalachian culture and encourages creativity and development of prevailing styles. Students from around the globe come to ETSU to study the music of the mountains in the rich cultural hearth of Northeast Tennessee. Students who are seriously pursuing full-time careers in music declare the Bachelor of Arts degree in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies - the only degree of it's kind in the world. Student musicians interested in working toward degrees in professions other than music find our minor in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies to be most suitable. Non-degree students also are welcome to register for any courses that might be of personal interest. THANKS: Special thanks to our exceptional faculty and staff: Roy Andrade, Dr. Ted Olson, Dr. Lee Bidgood, Brandon Green, Will Parsons, Paul Leech, Jane MacMorran, Colleen Trenwith, Dave Yates, Greg Fields, Ed Snodderly, Frank Wing, Adam Steffey, Hunter Berry, Jeremy Fritts, Jim Miller, Kathryn Brickey, Trae McMaken, Teresa Owens, Haley Stiltner, Danny Stewart, Sally Berry, Jason Leek, and Ben Bateson. Thanks to the faculty and staff of the Department of Appalachian Studies, Center for Appalachian Studies and Services, Anita DeAngelis and the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, ETSU University Relations, Karen Sullivan and ETSU University Advancement, and our university administrators, Dr. Roberta Herrin, Dr. Gordon Anderson, Dr. Bert Bach, and University President Dr. Brian Noland. We appreciate the talented volunteers serving our Bluegrass Development Council who help make possible so many educational opportunities for our students through scholarships, fund raising, and raising awareness in the community. Special thanks to Jim Hunter, Susan Carson, Roger Leonard, Leah Ross, Dr. William Duncan, Tim Stafford, Bobby Starnes, and Brenda Whitson for your commitment, ideas, and leadership. Very special thanks to noteworthy supporters of our program, Art Powers, Ben and Helen Siler, Tim White, and the Kiser, Seaton, Morrell, Palmer, Sims, and Huskey families. Thanks to the following organizations for ongoing collaborative support: Appalachian Cultural Music Association Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Song of the Mountains Down Home Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion Johnson City Chamber of Commerce IBMA Thanks to the companies who support us with quality products: C.F. Martin Guitar Company, Shubb Capos, Fender Musical Instruments, Peluso Microphones, and Gretsch Musical Instruments. Very special thanks to Jim and Sandy Powell whose support has made this album possible. Lastly, and most especially, we thank you for supporting our program and students by purchasing this album. ETSU is an AA/EEO employer. TBR No. 130-014-12 2.5M.
