My Title III Grant research was a collectively awesome experience.  I was able to increase my knowledge on a subject I love, Appalachian music, and to become a better musician.  My goal was to assimilate into the music scene and culture in the Asheville area, and I feel as if I have been largely successful in accomplishing that goal. 

I conducted my research by conducting interviews, by attending concerts, and by purchasing materials that held information about and/or recordings of Appalachian music.  I interview Roger Howell, Rhonda Gouge, and Laura Boosinger, all accomplished musicians in the area.  All three provided plenty of new knowledge on the subject, and I learned at least one song from each interview.  I have spent many additional afternoons with Roger Howell, learning fiddle tunes and conducting interviews.  I have also conducted many additional conversations with Laura Boosinger that have been informative and quite educational. 

I saw around many concerts during the time of the grant, using grant money to purchase tickets to many of them.  I work with the Madison County Arts Council, so I was able to volunteer at numerous concerts there for free, but I was able to purchase most of my tickets with grant money.  Bands I saw included:  The Avett Brothers, the Infamous Stringdusters, the Kruger Brothers, the Duhks, the Dan Tyminski Band, David Holt and the Lightning Bolts, Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth, the Punch Brothers (twice), Bobby Hicks, the Harris Brothers, Arvil Freeman, the Sons of Ralph, Roger Howell, the Everybodyfields, Tim O’Brien, and the Lovell Sisters.

The culmination of my research came at SLAM 2009.  I conducted a performance break that sought to provide information, and to perform for interested persons.  The performance break went quite smoothly.  I felt comfortable and quite good about my blend of information and music, and other people have complimented me on my presentation. 

I was received $400, as Dr. Carol Boggess gave me $100 of her advisor money.  I spent the money as follows:

Gas	$93.23
CD – In the Pines	$20.26
Ticket – The Avett Bros.	$16.00
Ticket – The Infamous Stringdusters	$12.50
CD – Appalachian Picking Society	$15.00
Ticket – the Duhks	$10.00
CD – Most of All	$15.00
iPod and Recording device	$100.00
Ticket – the Dan Tyminski Band	$20.00
Ticket – the Punch Bros.	$23.00
Ticket – David Holt and the Lightning Bolts	$12.00
CD – Doc Watson and David Holt, Legacy	$32.01
Ticket – Tim O’Brien	$31.00
Total	$400.00

My relationship with my mentor, Dr. Boggess, was professional and fruitful.  She has always been willing to help me in any way possible, and throughout the course of this great, she provided advice, encouragement, an eye to read, and an ear to listen to my practice presentations.  She work efficiently and compassionately with me, and my gratitude runs deep.

This had been a wonderful experience.  I will encourage anyone I know to apply for this grant in the future.  It would be a wise decision to continue this program as long as possible.