Centerville Alternative Strings

This is an extra-curricular orchestra program at Centerville High School. It gives orchestra students a chance to experience string music other than the usual classical. They study bluegrass, jazz, pop, and folk. Their director is Doug Eyink, who plays banjo and at one time played with the Foxtail Grass, so bluegrass is close to his heart. He started the program in 1993. and later started an annual Bluegrass Blowout to raise money and also to showcase the students. The concerts feature a performance by a nationally known bluegrass band and a performance by the Alternative Strings. Name acts who have appeared include Doyle Lawson, Rhonda Vincent, Sierra Hull, Cherryholmes, Michael Cleveland, Flatt Lonesome, and Joe Mullins. Joe in particular became heavily involved with the ensemble, inviting them to appear at the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival and by recording a live concert DVD featuring the Radio Ramblers and the Alternative Strings. The Alternative Strings have appeared several times at the Musicians Against Childhood Cancer Festival in Columbus.