Sales of TTU Music Department's latest CD to be used to provide scholarship money

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 1, 2002) -- It's more than just music to your ears — it's also a good way to help provide scholarship money to Tennessee Tech University music students.

That's how professor Wayne Pegram describes the TTU Music Department's latest compact disc. Titled simply "Golden Eagle" Marching Band 1968 - 1983, the CD features 34 selections arranged by Pegram during his tenure as the university's band director.

"In general, alumni interest and support has been what has motivated me to complete this work," he said. "Proceeds raised from sales of the CD will be used to provide a music scholarship, and I'm hoping it raises enough to provide an endowment for an annual scholarship."

The music on the CD was rescued by alumnus Andy Corum from old, departmental 12-inch analog tape reels recorded during that era; selected, equalized and edited by Pegram; and finished in Boston's Sound Mirror Audio Co. by alumnus Blanton Alspaugh.

Out of the 250 selections salvaged, the disc's 34 pieces were chosen because they document specific events and aura of the era in a somewhat chronological order.

One selection, for example, recalls the competitive atmosphere during the early 1970s, when the winning TTU football team competed in the Grantland Rice Bowl in Baton Rouge.

"The football team lost big time to Louisiana Tech, but the band was magnificent on national television," Pegram said.

Other selections reflect themes of national patriotism and the influence of popular culture, such as the Star Wars films.

The cost of the CD is $15, and it is available by sending a check to Wayne Pegram, TTU Music Department, P.O. Box 5045, Cookeville, TN 38505. For more information, call Pegram at 931/372-3329.

--Tracey LeFevre

This information posted 16 August 2002