News
Tennessee Tech alumnus nominated for Grammy
Tennessee Tech University alumnus Blanton Alspaugh hopes to be in Las Vegas this
spring when his name will be called as one of the nominees during the 64th annual
Grammy Awards. He has been nominated with four others in the category of Producer’s
Award.
“It’s a wonderful event because it’s one of the rare opportunities for so many musicians,
producers and engineers to actually be together – we’re usually scattered around working
on our projects,” Alspaugh said. “It’s invigorating to be talking with colleagues
who are working in all the varied genres of music. It’s especially nice to attend
the Grammys as a nominee, because we know that nomination comes from our peers.”
This is far from being Alspaugh’s first nomination. The producer has been nominated
a total of 25 other times and has won 11 of those in categories such as Best Classical
Solo Vocal Album, Producer of the Year – Classical, Best Choral Performance and Best
Opera Recording.
He received his bachelor’s degree in music education at Tennessee Tech in 1981 and
went on to receive his master of music in orchestral conducting from the Shepherd
School of Music at Rice University in Texas. He is currently the senior producer at
Soundmirror, a classical music recording and production company in Massachusetts.
“I work with the recording engineer, relying on his expertise in everything from evaluating
a recording venue to choosing microphones and getting the sound of the recording the
way we want it,” Alspaugh explained. “And I work closely with the conductor and the
musicians to help them to play and sing at their best. Once the recording is made,
I’ll edit everything down to a finished version the conductor will approve, and then
work with the mixing and mastering engineer to get the final master ready for the
label.”
His recent work that convinced his peers to nominate him for a Grammy Award include:
– “Appear And Inspire” by James Franklin and The East Carolina University Chamber
Singers
– “Howells: Requiem” by Brian Schmidt and Baylor University A Cappella Choir
– “Hymns Of Kassianí” by Alexander Lingas and Cappella Romana
– “Kyr: In Praise of Music” by Joshua Copeland and Antioch Chamber Ensemble
– “More Honourable Than the Cherubim” by Vladimir Gorbik and PaTRAM Institute Male
Choir
– “O'Regan: The Phoenix” by Patrick Summers, Thomas Hampson, Chad Shelton, Rihab Chaieb,
Lauren Snouffer, Houston Grand Opera and Houston Grand Opera Orchestra
– “Sheehan: Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom” by Benedict Sheehan and The Saint Tikhon
Choir
“My list this year is all about singing, as it turns out,” Alspaugh said. “I am amazed
at just how much great singing there is in all sorts of places. It’s one of the great
privileges of what we do that I get to hear so much beautiful singing.”
Alspaugh added that Tech was a big stepping stone to get him where he is today.
“I can’t say enough about how TTU helped me on my way,” he said. “Just being around
so many talented classmates was inspiring; I think we enjoyed playing and singing
together and we kept each other motivated and encouraged. At the risk of omitting
someone, I do have to mention Larry Hoepfinger (trombone); Wayne Pegram (band); Joe
Rasmussen (band); David Urness (chorus); James Wattenbarger (conducting); and Robert
Jager (theory and composition) as teachers whose guidance and influence I still treasure.
I use what they taught me every day.”
For fellow musical education majors, Alspaugh has some advice for those wanting to
pursue a career in music and possibly see a few Grammys of their own. His own path
has been wandering and indirect, but has ultimately led to success.
“I would encourage students to be voracious for music, keep an eye out for any way
to be useful, and if or when your plans don’t work out – keep moving!” he said.
