Summer 1999

In this issue

1. Greetings!
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Murphy introduces the issue with a personal reflection on her now grown children leaving home.
   IBMA Awards Nominees by Murphy Hicks Henry A list of women nominated for IBMA awards, noting progress but a persistent gender gap.
   Ask and It Shall be Given: Women on the Charts by Murphy Hicks Henry A report on the strong showing of albums by women on the Bluegrass Unlimited airplay charts.
   Inside by Murphy Hicks Henry A preview of the issue's contents, highlighting the central debate on women performing without instruments.
2. BARRIERS IN BLUEGRASS
   by Casey Henry Casey Henry uses feminist theory to analyze why so few women become professional bluegrass musicians, citing a male-dominated culture, lack of role models, and unsafe learning environments.
3. Obituary
   Terry Boswell by Murphy Hicks Henry A notice about the passing of singer and guitarist Terry Boswell.
4. Mixing It Up
   by Nancy Hicks Pate Nancy Pate recounts her first experience mixing a record and learning the specialized vocabulary of sound engineers.
5. "To Pick or Not to Pick"
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Murphy introduces the controversy around female bandleaders performing without instruments, framing it as a potentially gender-related issue.
   No Boundaries in the Creative Process by Valerie Smith Valerie Smith defends her choice to focus on singing, arguing the voice is a valid instrument and her decision is based on showcasing her band's best talents.
   The Human Voice Is an Instrument by Jeanette Williams Jeanette Williams explains that she doesn't play on stage because her instrumental skills aren't yet at the professional standard she demands for her audience.
6. Timeless Music, Changing Times
   by Suzanne Thomas Suzanne Thomas argues that while learning an instrument was necessary for her generation to gain credibility, perceptions need to change with the times.
7. Built for a Woman
   by Joann Sanders Loehr Joann Sanders Loehr discusses the physical challenges of playing mandolins designed for men and consults a luthier about building an instrument suited to her strength.
8. What's the Problem!
   by Murphy Hicks Henry Julie Koehler questions the criticism of non-instrumentalists, arguing that the voice is an instrument and talented people should be encouraged.

Photos

• Casey Henry, Murphy Hicks Henry, page 3. Photographer unknown.
• Danette Tew, page 5. Photo: Garland Gobble.
• Sara Watkins, page 6. Photo: Garland Gobble.
• Vicki Simmons, page 6. Photo: Garland Gobble.
• Pam Gadd, page 7. Photo: Garland Gobble.