Adam Larkey, a 12-year-old fiddle prodigy from Unicoi Middle School, said he could barely believe it when he learned he was invited to participate.
"My mouth was down for about five minutes," he said. "It was like, 'What? Did you put something in my ear? I don't think I heard you.'"
At first it was a mix of surprise, nervousness and excitement at the news.
"It was pretty much all that put together," he said.
Larkey, a member of the band Adam Larkey and Mountain Time, was part of a group of more than 50 people from the area who went to Washington, D.C., July 20-22 for the workshop. So was Taylor Cochran of Jonesborough, leader of the country band TC & the High Road Band.
The group of middle school and high school students from the region included Katie Sutherland, Breanna Lester, Allie Shrenker; Whitney Sproles, Allen Clark, Isiah Porter; Claire Morison and Avery Deakins.
They got to participate in the workshop led by country, bluegrass and Americana stars Brad Paisley, Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski.
They passed through security in the White House and went into one of the dining rooms for the program. A stage was set up in front of the fireplace for Paisley, Krauss and Tyminski to give the workshop.
"They told us a little bit about themselves and said that if this is what you want to pursue, do it," Cochran said. He'd already decided he'll make a career in country music.
Unfortunately, the Obamas were not able to attend the workshop, although they were present later in the day for a performance by Krauss and Union Station, Paisley and Charley Pride.
"I believe the president was on Capitol Hill," Larkey said. "We didn't get to bring any instruments into the workshop because of security, but just to be in the White House and be with Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley and Dan Tyminski, it was exciting. I feel real honored."
The series began in June with the Jazz Studio, followed by July's focus on country music, with an emphasis on singing and songwriting. The series is designed to present educational events that demonstrate the importance of arts education in the community and features artists of all ages who perform, educate and interact with young people. A classical music workshop is planned for the fall.
The process of getting Cochran, Larkey and other young artists to Washington started when the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance received a call from the White House asking for recommendations for middle and high school students to participate in the workshop. Through a collaborative effort with Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and the Mountain Heritage Music Program of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Dickenson County Office, they identified the participants.
Larkey, influenced as a musician in particular by Bobby Hicks and Hunter Berry, was the 2008 Youth Old Time Fiddle Champion for the Galax Fiddlers Convention, among many other fiddling awards. He has played numerous festival and broadcasts.
Cochran is a 16-year-old student and David Crockett High School whose band, TC and the High Road, is made up of schoolmates. They've made a big impression in the area with their classic Merle Haggard-style music. Both Larkey's and Cochran's bands will perform during Rhythm and Roots.
"It was a good experience," Cochran said of the trip to D.C. "It was nice. Definitely going to the White House was a highlight, but one of the best parts was the people we went with and got to play music with. We made some good friends."
Both Cochran and Larkey got to do some sightseeing and some jamming with fellow musicians, as well as meeting with congressmen Rick Boucher and Phil Roe, representatives of this region.
When they were visiting the White House for the workshop, the students were escorted in through a security checkpoint while their families waited outside the room.
"It was kind of neat watching your child checked by Secret Service and walking into the White House," Adam's mother, Tammy, said.
"The whole thing was a great honor because he got nominated by board members of the BCMA. We really appreciate Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion and Birthplace of Country Music Association. They submitted the names, got it all organized and set up the meeting with the congressmen."
