Picture of the day - January 14, 2006

Heritage In Music Program Benefit Show

The wonderful sounds of Bluegrass Music can be heard all throughout the southern Appalachians, but the region surrounding the twin cities of Bristol, VA-TN is a hotbed of Bluegrass talent and tradition. Many local musicians have taken it upon themselves to do whatever they can to pass on their love of Bluegrass music to the next generations. One of these wonderful people is Danny Minton. Danny has always had a keen interest in Bluegrass music, so as soon as they were old enough he taught his own children how to play several instruments. Today, Danny's son and daughters are accomplished musicians who perform regularly with their dad as The Minton Family. But Danny's desire to teach kids about the joys of pickin' and singin' Bluegrass didn't stop with his own kids. Recognizing the need to provide local children with an alternative to traditional band instruments, he founded the Heritage In Music Program at Bluff City Middle School. This wonderful program provides free instruction in playing a traditional Bluegrass instrument in a Christian atmosphere. The program has had as many as 40 students at one time - a situation which Danny lovingly refers to as "organized chaos". Many of these students are now accomplished musicians, and some of them have even returned to help teach the current students! Instruments and supplies (strings, tuners, etc.) for the students in the Heritage In Music Program have always been provided at the Minton family's personal expense along with the generous help of others who have donated instruments. A special Pickin' Porch Show was held last evening in order to raise money for the Heritage In Music Program. All proceeds from the benefit show will be used to purchase instruments and supplies for the students. Today's picture features The Minton Family (Danny is on the right) pickin' with several current Heritage In Music Program students.   Picture Of The Day Homepage | Submit a photo Interesting Articles