![Toni Doman (left) | Photo by Billie Wheeler Toni Doman (left) | Photo by Billie Wheeler](/sites/default/files/styles/news_image/public/ToniDoman_2019.jpg?itok=z8epJjx8)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2019
For More Information:
香妃直播 State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115
香妃直播, WV 鈥 香妃直播 State College alumna Toni Doman is living out her dream at the Birthplace of Country Music in Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia.
Doman graduated from GSC in 2016 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in traditional bluegrass music and an associate鈥檚 degree in business. She works within the three branches at the Birthplace of Country Music including The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion Music Festival, and Radio Bristol. Doman鈥檚 roles include Grants Coordinator, a Museum Frontline Associate, and the Radio Bristol Production Assistant.
鈥淏eing at the Birthplace of Country Music is directly aligned with my academic background and personal interests,鈥 said Doman. 鈥淒uring my time as a student at GSC, I was able to be immersed in traditional music, and I intend to make it a personal goal to promote the region positively. I'm also currently part of a musical duo, Virginia West - we perform locally around the Tri-Cities region specializing in Country Western, Folk, Swing, and Americana music styles. It's fun to take traditional songs and perform them to newer audiences, and as a duo, we have begun to create our own music.鈥
Doman also hosts her own weekly radio program, Mountain Song and Story. There, she features music, stories, and folklore of the people who make up the rich cultural tapestry of Central Appalachia.
鈥淓ach week I research a theme relating to Appalachian culture and highlight songs and stories all about the topic,鈥 said Doman. 鈥淭he show is focused on storytelling and regional history and culture, and I also often have in-depth interviews with regional craftspeople, artisans, and musicians. I鈥檝e done show themes on topics ranging from traditional ballad singing, folklore about different holidays, animals like bears, mockingbirds, and rabbits - I鈥檝e even done an entire show all about gravy. I also feature a live folktale reading each week, and it is fun to research, find and, bring some old folktales alive to new audiences. Our station, Radio Bristol, has a lot of really unique programming and broadcasts to the local community of Bristol, but we also have listeners streaming worldwide.鈥
Doman credits the GSC Bluegrass program for providing her with opportunities that helped to shape her career. 鈥淏eing in the GSC Bluegrass program was an incredible experience because I was able to take advantage of so many unique opportunities,鈥 Doman reflects. 鈥淲e were able to travel and perform at many festivals, take part in community events and gatherings, host instructional traditional music workshops, and so much more. I was able to take part in several internships in Nashville, including my first one at the International Bluegrass Music Association, another one at RFD-TV, and a post-graduate internship with Hatch Show Print, a traditional letterpress print shop inside of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Those experiences led the way to make countless contacts and friends through music and have shaped my career goals of creating a positive image of traditional music and the culture of the Appalachian region.鈥
鈥淭he best part about the GSC Bluegrass program was being immersed in music and having the creative freedom to tailor your career path,鈥 said Doman. 鈥溝沐辈 truly is a unique place!鈥
and to listen to archived shows. You can also follow along with the at www.virginiawestband.com.