Brandon Green

 Biography

     My muscial background is in bluegrass and gospel music. Music was introduced to me by my family and at church. My grandfather, Sid Hatfield, (descendant of the feuding Hatfields and McCoys) aroused my interest in bluegrass music and also started me playing banjo, which remains my primary instrument. My serious study of the 5-string banjo began in high school by taking lessons from Will Parsons in Princeton, WV. Will is currently a master luthier who builds mandolins and teaches acoustic instruments at East Tennessee State University, having previously toured with the Charley Sizemore Band.

     After attending East Tennessee State University in their bluegrass and country music program for a year, I transferred to Concord University in West Virginia. I enrolled in the music department to study music outside the realm of bluegrass. In December of 2006 I graduated with an Interdisciplinary Studies degree in music/business from Concord. My area of emphasis was in banjo.

     While at Concord I was a part of various ensembles. I was a member of the Conchords (chamber choir), Collegiate Singers (chorus), Barbershop Quartet, and the Concord Commanders (jazz band, bass). I studied banjo at Concord, primarily, from a classical perspective. As a result of these studies, I transposed and recorded a collection of classical works on the 5-string banjo.

     My style of banjo playing is influenced by the Scruggs style, single string style, and melodic style introduced by Bill Keith. I have been fortunate enough to work closely with Bill Keith in developing my own unique melodic style. In January of 2007 I was given the opportunity to endorse Prucha banjos. I have been playing my Prucha "Diamond Point" since then and I am very pleased with the instrument.

     I have toured extensively with bluegrass bands throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as internationally in Ireland, Holland, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. I have been a guest performer with artists such as Jesse McReynolds & The Isaacs.  For 3 years,  I performed with the bluegrass band “The Abrams Brothers”, of Kingston, Ontario, who recently performed on the Grand Ole Opry. I also perform locally with the gospel band “Judah’s Lion”, as well as venues with the “Brandon Green Trio”.

     In 2007, I officially started my own business to encompass my musical endeavors. The name of the business is “Strings of Green”. Strings of Green includes live performances, private lessons, and a recording studio. I have also just released my first solo project, titled “This Time”, which includes some of my own original material and arrangements.

     I currently reside in Sophia, WV. I was married to my beautiful wife, Amy, in March of 2006 and in April of 2007 we had our first child, Josiah Reed Green. I am thankful to the Lord for bringing about these opportunities, having music as my occupation has been a lifelong dream for me.