New year, new campus... My Mom was following me around taking photos, so does that make her 'mamarazzi'?
MTSU is a very nice campus, once you learn where you're supposed to go. I got lost just a few times the first day.
Their flower gardens were gorgeous!
Ok, so maybe Mom took a few liberties with the new photo program...
All the way to the end of the hall...
This little token from Stephen Speer made sure that I had at least 20 people a day stop me to ask, "What does that say?"
This is one of our special Canadian friends that has been on faculty for a while. Allison Lynn will be sorely missed when she moves back to Canada.
They had one of 'these' by the fine arts building. If you have any idea what this is, feel free to contact me.
This girl is way too cool to be a 'PK'.
Preparing for theory class...
Mr. Towler is one of the most knowledgable men in the world on the subject of Southern, convention style singin'. It was great to be in his class this year. He has written over 400 songs and two musicals!
Although, I heard a rumor that there was some money passed under the table to ensure I wouldn't be in Miss Tracey's class for a fifth year...
My good buddy, Liz is from the UK and was averse to having her picture taken...I take that as a challenge!
I was so excited this year because I finally began to understand how to use those augminished and dimented chords...
I win again!
Our theory class and Miss Tracey's class would combine during the afternoons for mass mayhem and hysteria!
Joanna Joy Pomeroy (Jo-Jo) is not your typical gal. She made a totally cool CD (in her BEDROOM) and wrote the songs, played all the instruments, and sang all the parts!
Trent Harbison is from Alabama, but he's a Texan at heart. He's a great singer, guitar player, and we figured out what famous person he looks like. I'll let you form your own opinions...
Cedric Dent has won 10 Grammy awards in his lifetime and paid a visit to our class. What an amazing man!
The Perry's paid a visit to the school and did an amazing concert!
Troy Peach is one of the most genuine folks I have run across in Southern Gospel music. He's doing a great job singing the baritone for The Perry's.
Here's the headman himself, Ben Speer.
I talked Ben into posing with my buddy Darrell Avans too. Just kidding, Daryl!
Two of the well-known troublemakers on campus, but I can take them both on.
Chris Whitaker came with Mike & Kelly Bowling to our church back in March, so it was great to see them all again. They were so kind to come and do a concert for the students at the school.
I just liked the background in this photo...
It was great to have Raluca Bojor back at the school again. She is an amazing pianist from Romania.
She's technically from the infamous town of Transylvania. I kept an eye on her when I could.
I was so glad that my favorite bass singer was able to make it during the last week of school. He's none other than The Gospel Tones bass singer, Jordan James.
I had a new voice teacher this year. His name is Derek Meler and his hometown is Tyler, Texas! He really helped me with some vocal exercises and is a great vocalist.
Bill Hudson and Bud Rogers met at the school and have become good friends. We went to Bill's hometown in IN after the school and did a concert. Click here to see the concert gallery. Bud is a member of Miles Pike Music's board and like family to us.
Greater Vision made a surprise visit to do a concert and hear us sing some shaped notes.
Darrell and Joanna are clearly enjoying the Greater Vision concert.
They weren't getting one of the songs right, so Allison Durham Speer walked on stage to help them out.
Now that's more like it...
I have better pictures of them, but that wouldn't be near as much fun to post.
It should be illegal to laugh so much!
A thorn among the roses...
It would take too long to tell all the reasons why, but Jordan Jones is my hero!
Tim Reid, Brandon Andrews, Jordan James, and Shawn Degenhart do a classic Goodman tune, "I'm Living In Canaan Now".
Bryar Patch & The Stickers, were a group of guys that got together at the school.
This is me in the bass section during group singing on the closing program.
The Legend
You never know what to expect at Stamps-Baxter...
See what I mean?
Ben Morelock is a first-time student from KY. You DO NOT want to give anything that'll make him more hyper!
What a lady!
This is Saint Tracey. She had me in her class for four years in a row and kept her sanity.
She looks sweet, but if you have been in her class before and do the same thing over again, she'll eat you.
Jordan James singin' "I Can Call On Jesus Anytime".
Why do I always end up singing tenor???
The Gospel Tones strike again. We sang "I Cast My Bread Upon The Water" on DVD at the closing program.
This was just before the camera on the boom came by and knocked me out...
Beth Dees was a student back in 2004 and she came back and sang "Mary For A While".
These folks are amazing! Scott and Lisa Roberts are not only were great artist, but spent their honeymoon money to come to the school!
Having a hoe-down!
Discussing parts...
Why not just have a little church?
Scott Roberts on the piano, Daniel Ashmore, Darrell Avans, and Roger Brock made up our thrown together quartet.
All we need is a bus...
Ham, ham, and more ham...
Mary Tom Reid...
Pastor Bud made a new friend...
Charles Towler is an amazing songwriter, teacher, and worship leader, all in one.
The legendary Speer Family.
The Brock Speer Scholarship Award winner!
Doesn't she look like she's up to something?
Two incredible piano players, Eloise Phillips and Raluca Bojor. Don't they make me look good??
Ben Morelock and Pastor Bud saying their goodbyes...
Stephen Speer, myself, Kay Honour (from Canada), and Tommy Sandifer. Stephen can be seen on YouTube playing bass guitar, complete with 70's attire. It's really worth a look...just click. I dare ya.
Rosa Nell Powell, and Faye Speer honored us with a song.
One of my best buddies at the school, Daniel Southerd.
He's not only MY hero, but he's my Mom's hero as well.
The whole group belting out a song.
Roger Brock was in the process of breaking me in half...
I think I'm a little shorter than before...
hehehehe
Alright, act like you love each other!
Hunter Young came prepared to challenge me in the "Bright Suit Contest". However, I decided it was his turn to win, so I toned down this time. Don't count on it next year though.
Just in case you ever wondered what that danglin' thing in the back of the throat looked like...
Jodie!
Timmy, Lynn, and JODIE! (It's really funny for the two of us, but it's a long story)
Brandon Andrews doing what he does best.
The Procrastinator Remix! They decided they needed to improve their looks, so they got a beautiful young lady to sing with them. Now only three more to go...
Lynn Roberts came all the way from The Bahamas to be at the school again.
This girl has some HUGE hands! They make for some awesome chords on a piano.
If you just walked upon Ben and I talking, you'd think we really disliked each other, but nothing is further from the truth... I think.
Noogie, noogie! Is that how you spell noogie?
Milk it, Darrell!
Long time student of the school, Kristi Pierce, came by for a visit. She is going to be a doctor in just a little while!
Garrett gettting ready for the low note...
You wanna an interesting game? Try guessing people's middle names at random. I stumbled upon this amazing feat in the company of these two ladies, and it was a site to behold. Do you know how many middle names there are in the world??
Smile when??
It just wouldn't have been the same if Belinda hadn't been able to come for a few days. My cousin Morgan was happy to see her.
The Southerds invited me to move in, but they have no idea what it takes to feed me.
Mr. Towler and I had to have our yearly picture. It's an honor to call him my friend.
Two gorgeous ladies from the Stamps faculty, Allison Lynn and Tracey Phillips.
Timmy and I wanted a picture with Greater Vision, so here ya go.
Tom Powell was back this year and whipped the choir into shape in record breaking time!
Maricke Botha is a young lady from South Africa! She taught me a few new words that I can't spell, and I taught her how to speak a little Redneck.
The Southerds are a family from IL (please don't pronounce the "s") and you never know what to expect when they take the stage...or off the stage for that matter. I love 'em to death!
Every year I learn to love these folks even more. When God was handing out hearts, they got in line more than once.
The previous caption does not apply to this picture. You'd just have to have been there to understand, but I became infamous for "something".
The Gospel Tones this year consisted of Chase Moore (piano), Garrett Mathison (bass), me (tenor), Ben Waites (lead), and Darrell Avans (baritone). It was a great year and the next time can't roll around quick enough!