Though musical styles and instruments vary widely, music is a universal tradition. The United States has many musical traditions, but few are regularly performed on genuine folk instruments.

One exception is the musical traditions of poor Scottish and English immigrants, the Appalachian tradition adapted fiddle tunes and also created music for easy-to-play, easy-to-build folk instruments.

The University Museum is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibition curated by Angie Widener and Karen Elmore. Music from the Mountains displays fifteen instruments from Appalachian folk traditioin, from spoons and bones to dulcimers and banjos. Most are on loan from Virginia instrument maker Walter Messick of Cabin Creek Instruments.

At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, you can hear the instruments as well as see them. The museum will host a demonstration concert in the Special Collections reading room, followed by a touch-and-feel opportunity for participants to handle the exhibits.

UTM professors, Lisa LeBleu, Teresa Collard and Egan Green will be playing folk songs and other music on the exhibit instruments.

Seating will be limited, so come early.

The UTM University Museum gallery is located off the Special Collections reading room in the Paul Meek Library. It is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and to groups at other times by prior arrangement with the director. For more information about the exhibit or the University Museum, contact Richard Saunders, curator, at 7094.