The UNCG Old Time Ensemble performs American folk music, focusing on the string band traditions of the North Carolina Piedmont and Southern Appalachia. The ensemble’s mission is to give students an opportunity to learn songs and tunes that have been part of North Carolina’s culture for generations. Based on the idea that oral traditions should be part of every musician’s education, the group learns all its music by ear, through careful listening and repetition, the way traditional American music has been learned for centuries.

Students of Dr. Anthony Taylor and Dr. Luke Ellard

As part of their 11-day residency at Haw River State park, ETHNO USA will visit the UNCG School of Music on September 5 to demonstrate their work and share their unique program. A free demo/workshop at 4:00 pm in Tew Recital Hall is open to all interested music students. At 7:30 pm there will be a free public concert, also in Tew Recital Hall. Ethno USA will also perform at the NC Folk Festival.

Paul Nolen is Professor of Saxophone at Illinois State University where he has taught for the past 16 years. Paul has appeared as soloist, chamber musician, and jazz artist throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom.