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Jack Bernhardt on the best country and bluegrass
Appalachian State may still be celebrating its football victory over the University of Michigan. But the Mountaineers also have reason to be proud of Eric Church, the school’s songwriting, guitar-slinging alumnus whose 2006 album, “Sinners Like Me,” debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard country albums chart. Read full story
Bowles will visit Hickory next week
Business and government officials are gearing up for University of North Carolina system president Erskine Bowles’ visit to Hickory next week.
Hickory is one of several locations on Bowles’ “listening tour” across the state. He’ll be taking comments from leaders in the Hickory community about what they desire in higher education for the region.
A group met Thursday at the Hickory Metro Higher Education Center to announce support for a four-year institution and other expansions of the university system in the area.
Earlier this week, the Hickory Daily Record reported preliminary plans by local officials for a satellite campus of Appalachian State University in the Hickory area.
Appalachian’s Boone campus presents geographic and infrastructure restraints that have forced leaders to look at surrounding areas to offer its programs.
A satellite campus in Hickory is an idea worth exploring, Appalachian officials said.
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In a few days, teachers from across the state will gather at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) to discover why the banjo, originally a primitive gourd instrument brought to the New World by African slaves, has become such a centerpiece in Appalachian folk music. In addition to listening to some of the best banjo pickin’ found in the mountains of Western North Carolina and attending the Mountain Heritage Day Festival, teachers attending the NCCAT seminar will hear lectures/discussions from Cece Conway, a professor of Appalachian studies at Appalachian State University and author of African Banjo Echoes in Appalachia. Read full story
Sources say local officials are evaluating potential sites
The prospect of a UNC-Hickory is apparently gaining steam.
The state’s university system and local elected officials are considering several potential sites in Catawba County for what could eventually become a University of North Carolina at Hickory campus, according to Record sources.
Plans include Appalachian State University operating what would initially be a satellite campus. The campus would be built over a 10- to 12-year period and serve more than 10,000 students. Several sources working with different entities cite at least two potential locations. Read full story
The Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University is now webcasting select musical performances, starting this Thursday.
“It’s a nice service for those who can’t get to the live performances, such as parents, shut-ins or individuals who are traveling,” said Dr. Bill Harbinson, dean of the music school.
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