Bethel taps Mojo for Renaissance Band

Stephen MouginStarting this Fall semester, the Renaissance Bluegrass Band at Bethel University will be directed by Stephen Mougin. Known for his work as a private instructor, band coach and producer, Mougin (or Mojo as he is called) also plays guitar with the Sam Bush Band, and runs his own studio and record company, Dark Shadow Recording.

Bethel, located about 120 miles west of Nashville, offers their bluegrass program as an extra-curricular activity, with scholarships available to students who perform with the band. You’ll find the Renaissance Bluegrass Band doing shows throughout Middle Tennessee, representing the university wherever they go.

Mougin says it will require some time budgeting to make this happen, but that he is looking forward to working with these talented young people.

“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to combine my passion for teaching with my passion for bluegrass. Bethel University has built a solid platform for their students to learn, grow, and excel. I hope to build on the current format, put the Bluegrass Band in front of more fans, and give the students the experience they deserve.

I will continue my touring schedule, but will be reducing some private lessons, studio work, and band coaching to accommodate my new position.”

Rehearsals will be gearing up soon. Anyone interested in the Renaissance Bluegrass Band is invited to contact Mojo at Bethel.

Bethel University is a private Christian college located in McKenzie, TN. This program had previously been under the direction of Ben Helson.

Here’s a video of last year’s band with their arrangement of a Dixie Chicks number:

 

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.