The Glenville State Bluegrass Band was a natural outgrowth of the Glenville State College Bluegrass Music Certification Program, initiated in the fall of 2002. On August 3, 2007, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission approved our plan for a four year bachelor of arts degree in bluegrass music. From that degree program and the certificate program the Glenville State Bluegrass Band is chosen. The band consists of a core group of students who are enrolled in the certificate and/or degree programs as well as other students who just wish to participate in the group. Performance with the Glenville State College Bluegrass Band satisfies the students' ensemble requirements for the degree and certification. Both the bluegrass curriculum and the bluegrass band require auditions for admission.
The bluegrass program is under the direction of Megan Darby and includes on its board of advisors such bluegrass music luminaries as Jesse McReynolds, Mac Wiseman, Katie Laur, Little Roy Lewis, Lance Leroy, Edgar & Eunice Kitchen, Mack Samples, Dr. Ralph Stanley, and others.
Notable performances by the Glenville State Bluegrass Band include the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree, one of the longest running live radio broadcasts on WSM Radio in Nashville. The Jamboree immediately follows the Grand Ole Opry every Saturday night. The program is simulcast on XM Satellite Radio Channel 11. The band has also performed on the world-famous WWVA Wheeling Jamboree USA, another long running live radio program. The group performs at fairs and festivals throughout the state of West Virginia and has done many concerts and demonstrations for area school children.
The Glenville State Bluegrass Band works closely with the Glenville State College admissions office to recruit new students and promote a positive image for the school.
The Glenville State College Bluegrass Band may be booked for an engagement by calling 304-462-4130, x6347 or emailing us at megan.darby@glenville.edu.