Country ensemble keepin' music traditional

by Jennifer Conlee, co-associate editor

Many people consider country music to be the heart of the West, whether it’s old country from the greats such as Willie Nelson and Hank Williams, or the new music from the Nashville stars.

The South Plains College ensemble, Country Jukebox, relies on the traditional country music to keep it alive, and features performers who can belt out the great songs with the best of them.

Country Jukebox has performed three times this semester in the Tom T. Hall Recording and Production Studio, a performance that is filmed and later aired on SPC channel 10. The group has plans to perform for the final time before Fest Week on April 19.

The group performs songs such as “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” and “Queen of the Silver Dollar,” among others.

Country Jukebox consists of many multitalented musicians, including its director, Rusty Hudelson, associate professor of music, who plays piano for most of the performances.

“They’re all very solid and good,” said Hudelson of the students in the ensemble, “and they’re all very strong in their own musical worlds.  There’s a lot of talent.”

Hudelson has been directing Country Jukebox for 16 years, and says that he truly enjoys his job.

“I like traditional country, because that’s what I grew up with,” said Hudelson.  “It’s real music that tells real stories.”

As with all commercial music ensembles, Country Jukebox is comprised of SPC students.

Christy Battig, 23, a sophomore from Lubbock, and Kassidi Smith, 20, a sophomore from Boise City, Okla., provide vocals for the group.  Ed Salgado, 20, a sophomore from Sweetwater, plays drums.

Dustin Garrett, 19, a freshman from Anton, plays lead guitar. Both J Dub Lane, 19, a freshman from Allison, and Chase Niemann, 19, a freshman from Sapulpa, Okla., play acoustic guitar. Seth Williamson, 20, a freshman from Brazoria, plays acoustic guitar and mandolin. Frida Rosen, 30, a sophomore who hails from Sweden, plays fiddle and harmonica. Marissa Rauch, 21, a sophomore from Lott, plays piano, and Christine Young, 21, a sophomore from Portales, N.M., plays bass.

Rauch joined Country Jukebox two years ago because of the type of music the ensemble performs. 

“It’s traditional country,” said Rauch, 21.  “Ever since I was little, I’ve been doing old country, so when Rusty started this group, I just had to join.”

Rauch said she loves the group, which has grown to feel like family to her.

“I love playing in the ensemble, because we’re all so close,” said Rauch.

It’s not just Rauch who enjoys the ensemble experience.  However, Williamson enjoys the ensemble for different reasons.

“What I enjoy most in Country Jukebox is learning from Rusty Hudelson,” said Williamson. “He is one of the finest music instructors I have studied under. He teaches us every aspect of the song and how it should be played, but also lets us be creative with it at the same time. He is a patient man and will take the time to work with you if you are struggling with your part. It is a very-laid back atmosphere, and everyone in the group works together as a team.”

All students are welcome and encouraged to attend their final performance, which is free to the public, and witness history in the making.  It won’t be long before these performers go from the Tom T. Hall stage to the Grand Ole Opry.