Lessons added option to Feb. 14 benefit for the Band Program

The Tusculum College Pioneer Jazz Band will be hosting a Valentine’s Day Dinner/Swing Dance benefit on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the General Morgan Inn. The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. The event will include dinner and a performance of the Pioneer Jazz Band, along with special guests.

The event is a fundraiser to help raise money for much-needed equipment for the entire Tusculum band program, according to David A. Price, director of music at Tusculum College.

As an added bonus, swing dance lessons will be offered free of charge beginning at 5-6 p.m. Lessons will be provided by professional dancers Darian and Tiffany Chancellor. The Chancellors have been professional ballroom dance instructors and competitors for more than 12 years, and for the last 3 years have taught based out of Johnson City. They began with Fred Astaire Dance Studios and opened Johnson City Ballroom in 2012. They are finalists in the National Open Smooth division and are the recipients of a 2014 Kosbe Award for New Business this fall.

“We are thrilled to have Darian and Tiffany back as part of our program. With years of professional experience, it is a great time for beginners to learn or for more experienced dancers to pick up a few new moves,” said Price. “They were a big hit last year and we are excited to have them once again for our event.”

Ticket prices for the event are $50 per person and include dance tickets, free dance lessons, an opening reception, dinner and a special dessert. Please call in advance to request a vegetarian substitution. A cash bar will be available.

Darian and Tiffany Chancellor

Tickets are available for purchase at the General Morgan Inn or by contacting Price at

423-636-7303 or emailing daprice@tusculum.edu. A hotel package special is also available by contacting the General Morgan Inn at 423-787-1000.

Special table reservations are available for larger group seating by contacting Price.

The Pioneer Band Program at Tusculum College began in 2010, with the creation of the Pioneer Pep Band. The Pep Band became a much-enjoyed feature of the 2010 Pioneer football and basketball seasons, as the band performed at the Pioneer Club tailgate parties before each home football game and during pregame and half-time festivities.

Since that time a concert band, jazz band, marching band, handbell choir and several small ensembles have been added to the program.  The groups play several events on campus each year, as well as events in the community.