By Joel Spears
Features Editor

ROGERSVILLE - Having grown to become one of the region's anticipated bluegrass music events, the East Tennessee Young Bluegrass Musician's Contest is preparing for its seventh annual lineup.
    Entries are being accepted for the competition, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m. at Hawkins Elementary School.
    Founder and organizer Randy Ball of the Ball Sisters Band said the contest since inception has grown to include more than 40 contestants from Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia.
    "The Young Bluegrass Musician's Contest brings several families into Rogersville," he said. "We've already had a call from a family in Georgia about entering this year."
    While the event has proven to be an economic boost for Rogersville, Ball also said the music is where the heart of the contest lies.
    "Music is an activity that can involve the whole family," he said. "In many families it's passed down from generation to generation. Music also encourages discipline because you have to practice if you want to improve."
    Ball also said it is always a plus to see children who enter the contest building friendships with others who have an interest in music.
Some of those he said have gone on to play professionally.
    Last year Randy and his wife Donna Ball teamed up with the Rogersville Heritage Association (RHA) and extend the experience to members of the Heritage Lites Leadership Program in the form of a scholarship fund.
    Heritage Lites is a youth service organization sponsored by RHA whose mission is "to build character and leadership qualities in youth by emphasizing volunteer service, integrity, and pride of accomplishment."
    Angie Proffitt, RHA executive director, said, "The Young Bluegrass Musician's Contest is a great way to display such an important part of our heritage. And the funds from this event benefit the Heritage Lites Scholarship Fund to help young people who are such important parts of our community."
    To enter the contest, contestants ages 18 and younger will compete in fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo and vocal categories.
    More than $1,000 in prizes and trophies will be awarded.
    The Best Overall Performer will receive additional cash and prizes.
    Competition will be held for three age groups:
    • Fiddle: Six and under, seven through 12 and 13 through 18
    • Guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocal - age 12 and under
    • Guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocal - age 13 through 18
    Entry fee for contestants is one dollar per category, per participant. Each contestant may perform either one or two songs in the competition and instructors are encouraged to accompany their students.         
    Winners will be invited to perform at Heritage Days the second weekend in October.
    General admission tickets for the event will be $5 for adults and $3 for students. Children under age 5 will be admitted free. Refreshments will also be available during the event.
    For more information about entering the contest call Randy or Donna Ball at (423) 272-6139, E-mail ballrm@charter.net, or visit the Web site at www.rogersvillefiddle.com
    Those interested may also call Proffitt at 272-8641 or E-mail her at aproffitt@rogersvilleheritage.org.