Publication Date
10-1-2022
Abstract
There was a time Chassady Abernathy, a first-year student majoring in Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music, had not even heard of East Tennessee State University.
Her dad, musician Barry Abernathy, played a show in Johnson City and immediately called his daughter to share his positive view of the school, as well as the bluegrass program led by Dan Boner.
She came for a visit and ended up loving what she saw.
“The Bluegrass program drew me to ETSU, as well as the location,” she said. “I love being in the mountains, and I love this area and the people who are from this area.”
In some ways, it’s no surprise that Abernathy ended up in the program that one writer called the “nationwide gold standard” for collegiate bluegrass.
Her dad won the Banjo Player of the Year award in 1997 from the Society of the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America. He has played a range of well-known music, especially with the band Mountain Heart.
“It’s all I have ever really known,” she said. “The first thing I remember hearing, I guess, was the banjo.”
Part of what she loves about bluegrass is the tightknit community. That same sense of connectedness is present in ETSU’s program, she said, and the fact that bluegrass has grown so much over the last 40 years is truly special.
“I love the environment of the Bluegrass program. Everyone is so knowledgeable, and the students you are surrounded with are like having a family,” she said. “Everyone is into the same kind of music, and it’s the coolest thing. The instructors are some of the most talented musicians in the country, which seems intimidating. I was shocked at how personable all of my instructors are.”
She added: “I have built so many amazing friendships with students and teachers, and I am so blessed to be surrounded by these people.”
Document Type
News Article
