String Band

The University of North Georgia (UNG) String Band is a student-led ensemble that performs repertoire from the old-time and bluegrass traditions. The String Band plays for a contra dance every semester and also puts on stage shows. There is no audition requirement, and students from all majors are welcome to participate. 

Students choose the tunes and songs that they want to learn and develop a range of performance skills on the string instrument of their choice. All of the music is learned by ear, so music-reading ability is not necessary. Students do not need to have any experience with old-time or bluegrass, and they can also be a beginner on their instrument. The beauty of this music is that there is room for everyone to participate. Students can enroll in the String Band course (MUSC 2910, MUSC 4910) or become members without enrolling.

The UNG String Band hosts various clinicians each year and also travels to participate in regional events, including the String Band Summit (Johnson City, TN), the Kennedy Creek Old-Time Music Festival (Suches, GA), and the Georgia String Band Festival (Gordon County, GA). Trips are always optional, but they are a lot of fun!