Music in the Mountains

By Stacey Walters

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian mountains, the University of Pikeville is a destination for the arts, allowing its students an opportunity to thrive, learn and find their passion.

In company with long-serving Professor of Music Phillip Todd Westgate, DMA, UPIKE recently named Trevor Bailey as the new director of bands, Mike Bell and Michelle Rutherford as assistant directors of bands, and John Eric Rutherford, DMA as its new associate professor/director of choral and commercial vocal music studies.

This musical team’s collaboration and commitment will be “instrumental” in the fine arts program’s growth at the university.

Westgate states that music has been a part of UPIKE for decades and the band and choir student groups have been carefully kept in the institution’s tradition. Early administrations at UPIKE purchased Steinway Model B pianos and a Sabathil and Son harpsichord. A Kilgen pipe organ was installed in the Wickham Chapel in 1927 by Mary Ellen Warren Wickham in her husband Delos’ memory.

“The care that music was given early on by the university reflects the rich musical tapestry of Appalachia,” said Westgate. “One of the ways we see this love and respect for music is by the historical inventory of pianos at the university.”

Bailey is honored to serve as the director of bands.

“My goals are to provide a safe learning environment and help students become the best version of themselves,” said Bailey, “and will continue to bring a high level of musical excellence to the campus, community and the Appalachian region.”

Bailey received his bachelor’s in music performance from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., and earned a master’s in music education from the University of Nevada, Reno.

UPIKE Provost Lori Werth, Ph.D., says she believes Bailey displays extraordinary leadership abilities and a deep desire to engage and positively impact students.

Assisting Bailey is Michelle Rutherford who has 14 years of music teaching experience and holds a bachelor’s in music education from Otterbein University and a master’s in music from Kansas State University. Michelle is excited to join the team and sees endless possibilities for the music programs at UPIKE.

Bell has 24 years of music teaching experience and received a bachelor’s in music education and a master’s in secondary education from Morehead State University and holds a master’s in theological studies from Liberty University.

Bell is thankful that UPIKE understands the importance of providing an opportunity for students to continue to pursue their passion for music. “

I am fortunate to be a part of the UPIKE band program and work with some of the most talented and gifted students,” said Bell. “Music for many Eastern Kentucky kids is much more than just a band or choir class; it is an opportunity for them to be creative and showcase their talents.”

Eric Rutherford has 15 years of teaching experience. He holds a bachelor’s in music education from Otterbein University, a master’s in music from Northwestern University, and a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Washington.

Eric plans to advance the choir program by directing the concert choir, teaching music theory, music appreciation and providing private voice instruction. Under his guidance, the choir has almost tripled in size.

“My mission is to help my students become better vocalists and have fun while at it,” said Eric. “I hold my students to high standards and work hard to develop a sense of community in the UPIKE choirs. We encourage all skill levels to become a part of our choirs. Beginners, community members, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to join us and help the UPIKE choirs grow while enjoying making music together.”

UPIKE Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Jennifer Dugan, Ph.D., is delighted to welcome Eric to campus. She says he brings a wealth of experiences working with students and community members to raise voices in song and will help make this campus and these mountains sing.

Second-year student Lucas Spriggs says the fine arts program opens many new opportunities and develops long-term professional and personal relationships. “

I would recommend the fine arts program at UPIKE to anyone interested in pursuing their passion,” said Spriggs. “It is a genuinely fantastic program that brings together people of all different backgrounds to be able to showcase their hard work and talent.

Westgate shared plans for the future to have more concerts and performances that will involve not only UPIKE students, but also UPIKE faculty and staff, along with community members and guest artists to present concerts and master classes.

“Moving forward in the 21st century, there is a strengthening in the planning for the music area at UPIKE,” said Westgate. “There was genuine intent in hiring excellent directors and assistant directors for the growing band and choir programs, and the results are showing across the board from those hires.”

The modern musical landscape at UPIKE has tremendous opportunities where students can thrive in a dynamic and creative atmosphere. Its students and faculty are fully engaged leaders who are proud to have a presence in the Appalachian mountains.