Don’t let Reed Schulman’s cool demeanor fool you. When he takes the stage with Colorado College’s top bluegrass ensemble, Lonesome Springs, his intricate guitar picking and tight vocal harmonies will have you tapping your feet in no time.
How It All Began
Reed did not plan on being a music major when he first started college, but music has long been part of his life: “My first musical memory is hearing my older brother play the drums in the garage every day after school until bedtime. I admired his playing and thought his drumming was just about the coolest thing ever. I wanted to experience music for myself. On my tenth birthday, my mom gifted me a ¾ size electric guitar that I wouldn’t put down.”
Becoming a Music Major
During his time at CC, Reed has taken jazz guitar, bluegrass guitar, voice lessons, and participated in Tiger Jazz in addition to the Bluegrass Ensemble. After taking his first academic music class, Engaged Music Lab, Reed realized that music is where his true interest lies: “Being a music major has allowed me to stay occupied with music all the time, both in the classes and non-department projects, and that makes me happy.”
Musical Highlights at CC
Performing with the CC Bluegrass Ensemble in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the International Bluegrass Music Association World of Bluegrass Festival and being surrounded by lots of great music.
Playing with the critically acclaimed Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band after their performance at Llamapalooza.
Working with award winning bluegrass mandolin player Scott Gates.
Playing in the Indie/Americana band Drift Rd.
What’s Next
This spring, Reed will present his Senior Capstone Project on the medium of acoustic instruments and the way in which they inform his playing. In the meantime, check out some of his upcoming performances:
Lonesome Springs Yurt Concert—Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m., 705 Country Club Rd. in Fort Collins
Colorado College Bluegrass Ensembles Concert—Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., Packard Hall
