New Union College Bluegrass Ensemble recruiting members now

Rachel Dorroh • July 27, 2023

Union College is pleased to announce the launch of a new program — the Union College Bluegrass Ensemble. Directed by Barbourville native Isaac Brooks, the group kicks off this fall and is recruiting members now. Student performers will get academic credit, scholarships, potential travel opportunities, and the chance to connect to Appalachian heritage through music.

 

“I’ve had some great experience in bluegrass,” says Brooks, “and I hope that I can share that.”

Isaac Brooks.

Brooks has toured internationally as a bluegrass musician and serves as director of Madison Singers at the Richmond Area Arts Council, choir director at Lexington Traditional Magnet School, and artistic director of the Licking Valley Singers in Cynthiana. He holds a Master of Music in choral conducting as well as a Bachelor of Music from Eastern Kentucky University. 


As a student, Brooks performed with the EKU Bluegrass Ensemble since its inception in 2016 up through last year. In that time, he saw the group grow from an idea into a fully-fledged, touring band. 


“I've been lucky enough to see that happen at Eastern, and I think it can happen here too,” he says.


One of Brooks’ long-term goals is for Union’s ensemble to perform in the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) collegiate showcase. He says this was a great experience for him as a student, and he wants to give students at Union that opportunity, too.


Bringing his love of music back home means a lot to Brooks, as he got started by playing music in church and with friends right here in Barbourville. His local mentors include Junior McKeehan, Byron Hammons, and Union College choral director, Dr. Virginia Gay Gandy.

Gandy has known Brooks since he joined her choir as a student at Knox County Central High School. They have stayed in touch through the world of choral music, and she reached out to him about leading the inaugural bluegrass group. She says she’s thrilled about the new addition to the music program.

 

"Being in the heart of Appalachia, it seems most appropriate for Union to have a bluegrass ensemble,” Gandy says.

 

Students experienced in the traditional bluegrass instruments — acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and upright bass – as well as vocalists, are encouraged to join the group. However, Brooks welcomes anyone who wants to participate to reach out to him.

 

“Give me a holler, and we'll get you in there and get you playing,” Brooks says.

 

To learn more about joining the Union College Bluegrass Ensemble, contact Isaac Brooks at ibrooks@unionky.edu.

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