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March 5, 2008

The Grass is Growing

“OWUgrass” rehearsing. (Left to right) Jessica Miller ’11; Caitlin Kleuber ’11; Zach Mongan (friend of Caitlin); Education Professor Sam Katz

Click here for an audio excerpt from a recent rehearsal (1312k MP3)

The bluegrass group “OWUgrass” planted its roots at Ohio Wesleyan about four years ago when education professor Sam Katz, along with psychology professor Dale Swartzentruber (who coined the group’s name) and Joey Roel (late husband of psychology professor Vicki DiLillo) started playing together weekly. Roel played mandolin, Swartzentruber the banjo, and Katz on guitar and mandolin.

“We went to a few jam sessions around Columbus and just had fun with it,” Katz says. “Then other faculty started coming. Still, we kept it light. We weren’t really gearing toward performance, but rather just having fun. Then last year we started to rehearse and play on campus, had students join, and built a solid group. We played a house party, the Holiday Bazaar, and the Spring Fling. No record executives came calling, but we had fun.”

The group is all new this year, having lost members last year when one student transferred, two others graduated, and one went into active military duty.

“Several members are new to the instruments and the genre, but we’re making progress,” Katz says. “And the goal remains the same, which is to enjoy playing good music in a relaxed environment.”

Freshman Jessica Miller, a middle childhood education major, plays fiddle in the group. She says, “I saw a flier about the group and my roommate really enjoys bluegrass, so I decided to come with her to practice and really enjoyed it. With classes and studying, it’s a great way to unwind.”

Caitlin Klueber, a freshman, who is undecided about a major, sees the group as part of her OWU experience. “I really like bluegrass music,” she says. “And when I got a guitar about a year ago, I thought it would be a great way to get involved and play for real. Playing with the band is fun, and it’s a great way to get involved with a group on campus. It’s just a really good experience.”

Katz hopes more students, faculty, and staff will get involved. “It’s the sort of thing where you could get up to speed reasonably fast, and with some consistent practicing and listening, could get very good. A lot of our players are freshmen this year, so I’m excited about building the group over the next few years.”

If you are interested in joining OWUgrass or checking out a rehearsal, contact Katz at extension 3563.

– Christopher Federer