Bluegrass legend says goodbye to students

by Courtney Bullard, co-associate editor

For years, Alan Munde’s name has been synonymous with bluegrass.

This renowned banjo player has been sharing the art and skill of playing bluegrass music for the past 21 years at South Plains College.

Munde, who is originally from Norman, Oklahoma, has traveled the world displaying his musical talent. That may be something he has more time for soon, since he will be retiring in May.  

He has contributed to a number of albums, including “Knee Deep in Bluegrass,” which was the Instrumental Album of the Year (IBMA) for 2001. Munde was also a member of the widely known Country Gazette for 21 years.

Munde has been teaching country and bluegrass music since 1986. He said that he began teaching as an opportunity to get to travel and spend time with his family. 

When asked his favorite thing about teaching, Munde said, “I guess just seeing the success of students, not career wise, but as a player.  It’s the success of students when they lean authentically how to play.”

As for being a musician, Munde said he couldn’t see himself as anything else.

“I love it,” Munde explained. “It’s the funnest thing. I love musicians and hanging out with musicians. Music is something I enjoy doing, so I stuck with it.”

Munde especially enjoys playing bluegrass music.

“It’s a real sort of lively, spunky, acoustic music, and I like that,” he explained.

Munde is currently a member of the Alan Munde Gazette, which includes members, Phil Elliott, on guitar and vocals, Bill Honker, on bass and vocals,

Steve Smith, on mandolin and vocals, and Nate Lee on fiddle and vocals.  The group recently released a self-titled CD.

Munde also has recorded a duet with Joe Carr, another member of the SPC faculty.  He currently serves on the board of directors of the International Bluegrass Association.  He also was featured in Bluegrass Now Magazine in June 2005.

“I have been here for 21 years and didn’t start until I was 41,” said Munde. “I have enough life in me to do something else.”

For more information on Munde and the Alan Munde Gazette, go to www.alanmundegazette.com.