Walters State’s Mildred Haun Conference To Feature ETSU Old Time Pride Band, Appalatin

Appalatin, a band that combines the sounds of Appalachia and Latin America, will make its regional debut as part of Walters State’s Mildred Haun Conference Feb. 6-7. (photo by Bill Ivester)

Appalatin, a band that combines the sounds of Appalachia and Latin America, will make its regional debut as part of Walters State’s Mildred Haun Conference Feb. 6-7. (photo by Bill Ivester)

In Appalachia, music has always brought families together, passed down history and provided communion with the sacred. And music plays a staring role at Walters State’s Mildred Haun Conference, Feb. 6-7.

In addition to the ETSU Old Time Pride Band and a closing jam session, the conference is proud to sponsor the local debut of Appalatin on Feb. 7. This group combines the very traditional sounds of Appalachian music with high-energy Latin music. Band members represent Kentucky, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Guatemala. Instruments include a guitar, mandolin, upright bass along with an Andean flutes and hand percussion instruments. The group recently released its second album, “Waterside.”

Music in Latin America is much like it is in Appalachia – much more than notes and words. Music often bonds families together.

“Music is very important to Appalachian culture,” said Chippy McLain, head of the English department and one of the organizers of the conference.

“What is really great about Appalachian music is that it’s learned through tradition. Few start out with private lessons. Children learn to play while the family is gathered on the front porch,” McLain said.

Members of McLain’s student High Lonesome Senate Band, all Walters State students, will be performing at the jam session concluding the conference.

The conference opens on Friday, Feb. 6, with the ETSU Old Time Pride Band performing at 1 p.m. in the theatre of the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Complex. The band’s past appearances have been so popular that a question-and-answer session has been added this year.

Other Saturday performances include Walters State choral groups, followed by Dr. Katie Hoffman’s presentation, “It’s Hip to Be Hillbilly.” Hoffman is an accomplished balladeer and has been known to include music in presentations.

The conference will close this year with an Open Mic performance of poetry and other writing at 3 p.m. and a jam session. Conference attendees are encouraged to bring writings to read and/or an instrument to join in the fun.

Registration for the Mildred Haunt Conference is free. The conference honors the Hamblen County native famous for her work, “The Hawk’s Done Gone.” For more information, contact the Division of Humanities at 423.585.6922.